📋 Written Ability Test (WAT) / Essay Analysis Guide
🔐 The Impact of Quantum Computing on Cryptography and Security
🌐 Understanding the Topic
Quantum computing’s disruptive power in cryptography makes it a crucial theme for B-schools, combining innovation, risk management, and global strategy.
⏱️ Effective Planning and Writing
- Time Allocation:
- 📖 Reading & Planning: 5 minutes
- ✍️ Writing: 20 minutes
- 🔍 Review: 5 minutes
- Preparation Tips:
- Understand key concepts like Shor’s Algorithm and Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC).
- Use examples like NIST-approved algorithms or geopolitical risks.
✍️ Introduction Techniques for Essays
- Contrast Approach: “While quantum computing opens doors to medical and AI revolutions, it threatens to dismantle cryptographic systems relied upon for global security.”
- Solution-Based Approach: “With quantum computers looming, NIST’s PQC standards offer hope for securing our digital future.”
- Timeline Approach: “Since Shor’s Algorithm in 1994, quantum computing has redefined possibilities—and vulnerabilities—in encryption.”
📊 Structuring the Essay Body
- Achievements:
- ✅ NIST’s PQC algorithm approvals are crucial for future security.
- 💰 $1.2 billion invested in quantum computing in 2023, showing sustained venture capital interest.
- 🔒 Advances in Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) enable robust secure communications.
- Challenges:
- ⚠️ “Harvest now, decrypt later” attacks on sensitive data are a growing threat.
- 💸 Costly and time-consuming global migration to PQC standards.
- Future Outlook:
- 🌍 Global collaboration and federal mandates for PQC by 2030 are essential.
- 📡 Leveraging QKD for next-generation secure communications is pivotal.
📜 Concluding Effectively
- Balanced Conclusion: “Quantum computing’s potential necessitates robust preparedness, balancing innovation with security.”
- Global Comparison Conclusion: “As the U.S. leads PQC efforts and China advances QKD, collaboration will determine quantum-era security success.”
📈 Analyzing Successes and Shortcomings
- Key Achievements: NIST standards, advancements in QKD, sustained investment interest.
- Ongoing Challenges: Geopolitical competition, encryption vulnerabilities.
- Global Context: Leadership by China and the U.S.; EU’s Quantum Flagship program.
💡 Recommendations for Sustainable Progress
- 🔑 Accelerate global PQC implementation to ensure data resilience.
- 🎓 Educate stakeholders on quantum security threats and mitigation strategies.
- 🤝 Foster international collaboration on quantum security research and development.
📚 Sample Short Essays
- Balanced Perspective: “Quantum computing’s revolutionary potential must be matched by advances in post-quantum security to mitigate its risks.”
- Solution-Oriented: “With algorithms like CRYSTALS-Kyber, the NIST standards are paving the way for a quantum-resilient digital infrastructure.”
- Global Comparison: “As nations like China excel in QKD and the U.S. in PQC, international cooperation will be pivotal in securing the quantum future.”