1. A computer system for facilitating routable prefix queries, the system comprising: a processor; and a storage device storing instructions that when executed by the processor cause the processor to perform a method, the method comprising: generating, by a client computing device, a query for one or more indices based on a name for an interest, wherein a name is a hierarchically structured variable length identifier that includes contiguous name components ordered from a most general level to a most specific level, wherein an index indicates a number of the contiguous name components beginning from the most general level that represent a routable prefix needed to route the interest to a content producing device that can satisfy the interest; and in response to the query, receiving the one or more indices, which allows the client computing device to determine a remaining number of name components of the interest name which can be encrypted, thereby facilitating protection of private communication in a content centric network.