Big Issues

Encryption is a vital technology used to secure data and communications, but it also presents several important challenges and issues. Understanding these problems is essential for anyone studying encryption.

Discussion Prompts: Key Problems and Issues Related to Encryption (2025)

1. The Challenge of Keeping Encryption Ahead of Quantum Computing
    

➡️Research how emerging quantum computers threaten current encryption methods and why developing quantum-resistant encryption is urgent.

2. Balancing Privacy and Security: Encryption vs. Law Enforcement Access
    

➡️Discuss the debate over “backdoors” in encryption for government access versus the risk of weakening security for everyone.

3. The Impact of Increased Device Connectivity (IoT) on Encryption Needs
    

➡️Explore how billions of connected devices create new vulnerabilities and demand scalable, lightweight encryption solutions.

4. Ethical Concerns: Criminal Use of Encryption to Evade Detection
    

➡️Investigate how encryption can be misused by criminals or terrorists, and what ethical dilemmas this creates for society and governments.

5. The Shortage of Skilled Encryption Experts and Its Effects on Cybersecurity
    

➡️Examine why there is a global shortage of encryption specialists and how this gap affects the development and deployment of secure systems.

6. Encryption in Everyday Life: Convenience vs. Security Trade-Offs
    

➡️Consider how ease-of-use (like single sign-on or simplified encryption apps) might conflict with the strength of encryption.

7. Challenges in Securing Healthcare Data Through Encryption
    

➡️Look into specific difficulties in protecting sensitive health information while allowing timely access for medical professionals.

8. The Environmental Cost of Encryption and Cryptography
    

➡️Discuss the energy consumption involved in encryption, blockchain technologies, and how sustainability concerns are influencing encryption design.

9. The Role of Open Standards and Transparency in Building Trust in Encryption
    

➡️Research how open-source encryption standards help or hinder security compared to proprietary systems.

10. Future of Encryption: What New Problems Might Arise?
     

➡️Speculate on upcoming challenges in encryption over the next decade, such as AI-driven attacks or privacy concerns with emerging tech.

Previous years' exam discussion prompts below that were researched.

1. The need for education of more computer encryption specialists

2. The increase in risks associated with increasing connectedness of our devices, needs robust encryption systems for security

3. The development of faster computers and more sophisticated attacks

4. That criminals can use encryption systems to cover their tracks or hide from the authorities

5. That governments need strong encryption systems to protect national security

6. Encryption is important in protecting financial security

7. Faster computers make encryption systems easier to break. New encryption systems needed in future.