Future Proofing: An organization wants to ensure the long-term security of their systems in case quantum computers break them.
Reduced Risk: Considering the dynamics signaled by new threats, crypto-agile systems can reduce the risk of data breach or compromise by quick adaptations.
Highest Flexibility: Crypto-agile systems make it easier to integrate newer cryptographic developments as and when available.
Improved Security Posture: Crypto-agility embedded in the development process enhances proactive behavior toward security in general.
Implementing Crypto-Agility in Practice
Well, how do we really develop crypto-agile systems? The major steps to consider are as follows:
Inventory and Assessment– This is where the identification of all cryptographic algorithms in use within a system takes place. These algorithms include encryption, decryption, digital signatures, and key management. After identification, assess the possible vulnerability of each algorithm to quantum computing attacks.
Quantum-safe algorithm selection– Several very promising PQC algorithms are being developed, which are considered resistant to an attack by a quantum computer, among which is lattice-based cryptography and code-based cryptography.
