Crypto agility

When your algorithm is no longer enough.

Hard-coded algorithms and rigid data formats make every change expensive. We examine these dependencies and adjust software, configuration and protocol integration so that cryptographic algorithms can be evolved in a controlled way.

What we take care of Discuss your project

Analysis of cryptographic dependencies · Planning and implementation by OTOKO®

Your brief for OTOKO®

What we take care of for you.

A swappable algorithm name helps little if databases expect fixed signature lengths or clients cannot process new certificates. We check calls, storage formats, protocol fields and key identifiers. Cryptographic tasks are bundled through suitable libraries and clearly defined interfaces. This does not require any in-house cryptographic algorithms. New parameters and key types require controlled approval instead of arbitrary selection by a user.

The possible scope of services

Examine hard-coded algorithms and format assumptions
Organize cryptographic calls and configuration
Integrate supported libraries and providers
Check protocol compatibility and permitted fallbacks
Prepare regression tests and a controlled rollout

We define the specific scope, your involvement and the acceptance criteria before the start.

Technology explained clearly

How we carry out the task.

Migrate key exchange and signatures separately

ML-KEM is used for key establishment through an encapsulation mechanism; ML-DSA and SLH-DSA are signature schemes. These tasks are not interchangeable. A specific protocol integration must be supported by the components involved. We therefore check connection setup, authentication and stored artifacts separately. In hybrid schemes, classical and post-quantum building blocks are combined according to the respective protocol. A permitted classical fallback is made visible, so that a working connection is not mistakenly treated as already migrated.

Test with real counterparts

Acceptance testing uses representative clients, gateways and libraries. Invalid keys, unsupported parameters and outdated counterparts are part of the test. Data formats must be able to represent a later change in a traceable way. Your team receives the changes, documented limits and regression tests. The specific software version is verified in the project, rather than inferring support from a product family.

Meeting room at the OTOKO® Cologne office

A verifiable result

What you keep working with.

Analysis of cryptographic dependencies
Adapted application or pilot integration
Test and migration plan

The handover brings together implementation and documentation. Together, we review the agreed cases and record any remaining tasks.

Your project in detail

Switch algorithms without having to rebuild the entire product.

We examine where algorithms, key sizes and data formats are hard-wired into your software. We then create suitable technical boundaries through which new algorithms can be introduced in a controlled way.

Decouple cryptographic decisions from business logic

Hard-coded assumptions are not found only in the actual cryptography call. Database fields, file formats and interfaces can require fixed lengths or specific key types. We review these places together with libraries and configuration, so that a switch does not fail on a seemingly unrelated storage field.

Abstraction does not mean inventing a proprietary cryptography library. Proven implementations are integrated through a clearly defined interface. Permitted algorithms and parameters remain controlled; an arbitrary choice driven by untrusted input must not replace the security decision.

Plan transition states and backward compatibility

Existing data or communication partners may continue to need older algorithms. We design a recognizable versioning scheme and determine which parallel operating states are actually supported. A downgrade to an older algorithm must not be triggered silently by an attacker or a faulty counterpart.

For every supported combination, tests and release criteria are defined. It must be possible to deactivate algorithms that are no longer approved in a targeted way. This turns crypto agility into a maintained change process with documented boundaries, rather than an uncontrolled jumble of options.

Illustrative project scenario

How the service helps in everyday use.

Example: An application stores signatures in a field with an assumed fixed length. We remove this binding, version the format and check the generation and verification of both old and new records. The actual switch of algorithm follows only once support across the entire processing chain has been confirmed.

This example explains a possible process and is not a customer reference.

Before the first step

Your questions about Crypto agility.

Is every application with an up-to-date library automatically PQC ready?

No. It must actually use suitable algorithms, support the right formats and be interoperable with its counterparts.

Are older clients still allowed to connect using classical cryptography?

That is a deliberate risk decision for the service in question. We document such transitions and make visible which connections have not yet reached the target level.

Your project

Which task would you like to solve?

Describe your situation and the desired result. The selected service will be included in the contact request.

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When your algorithm is no longer enough.