Quantum-Proof Software Tools Tackle Looming Cyber Threats with Novel Adaptation Framework

Scientists are increasingly focused on the impending threat to current cybersecurity infrastructure posed by the development of quantum computers. Lei Zhang from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, and colleagues demonstrate that transitioning to post-quantum cryptographic (PQC) algorithms requires more than simply updating software libraries.

This research highlights a significant challenge, as existing software engineering tools struggle with the unique characteristics of PQC, including probabilistic behaviour and performance complexities. The authors outline a vision for a new field, Quantum-Safe Software Engineering (QSSE) , and introduce the Automated Quantum-Safe Adaptation (AQuA) framework, proposing a three-pillar approach to PQC-aware detection, refactoring, and verification, thereby establishing a crucial research direction for future cybersecurity development. Migrating existing software to these new, quantum-resistant algorithms is proving far more complex than a simple library update. The research centres on a vision for a new generation of tools capable of intelligently adapting legacy software for a post-quantum world. The AQuA framework is built around a three-pillar agenda focusing on PQC-aware detection, semantic refactoring, and hybrid verification. This integrated pipeline aims to automate the process of identifying cryptographic components within existing codebases, restructuring them to accommodate post-quantum algorithms, and rigorously verifying the security and performance of the resulting system. The framework directly addresses the limitations of current cryptographic inventories, which lack the code-level semantics needed for safe and efficient transformation. Specifically, the study highlights three key gaps in current PQC migration strategies. Existing approaches fail to capture how cryptographic operations are embedded within a system’s control and data flow, lack systematic refactoring patterns for PQC algorithms, and lack continuous verification methods tailored to the unique challenges of post-quantum cryptography. To address these deficiencies, AQuA’s first pillar, PQC-aware detection, proposes enriching cryptographic inventories with detailed code-level information, including call graphs and dataflow slices. The second pillar, semantic crypto-refactoring, aims to establish a collection of automated refactoring patterns for adapting code to larger message formats and hybrid key exchanges. Finally, the third pillar, hybrid correctness verification, focuses on continuous, PQC-specific regression testing and non-functional checks. This includes assessing the impact of larger keys and ciphertexts, as well as evaluating resistance to side-channel attacks. By integrating these three pillars, the AQuA framework offers a comprehensive solution for automating PQC migration across large, evolving codebases and within Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment pipelines, ultimately paving the way for more secure and resilient software systems. PQC-aware detection and semantic crypto-refactoring for automated software adaptation AQuA, the Automated Quantum-safe Adaptation framework, addresses challenges in migrating software to post-quantum cryptography through a three-pillar research agenda. The first pillar, PQC-aware detection, moves beyond simple cryptographic inventories by enriching them with code-level information. Static and dynamic analyses, potentially augmented by machine learning, link cryptographic uses to call graphs, dataflow slices, and protocol roles, tracing dependencies within the software supply chain. This detailed analysis aims to transition from knowing what cryptography is used to understanding how to safely transform the code. Pillar two focuses on semantic crypto-refactoring, addressing the lack of systematic patterns for PQC migration. Current guidance often provides high-level instructions like “replace vulnerable algorithms”, but AQuA envisions a collection of PQC-aware refactoring patterns. These patterns would demonstrate how to restructure APIs affected by larger signatures, introduce hybrid handshakes while maintaining backwards compatibility, and decouple cryptographic concerns in legacy systems. This systematic approach aims to prevent redundant efforts and enable automation across large codebases. The third pillar, hybrid correctness verification, ensures the security and functionality of migrated code. This involves side-channel analysis to confirm constant-time execution, resisting attacks that exploit timing variations. Differential testing compares classical and post-quantum variants, assessing the impact of larger keys and ciphertexts on performance and functionality. The work identifies three persistent gaps hindering this transition: a lack of code-level semantic understanding of cryptographic implementations, a scarcity of automated refactoring patterns for post-quantum algorithms, and insufficient continuous verification tailored to post-quantum characteristics. These gaps currently impede effective and scalable migration of legacy systems. The AQuA framework centres around three interdependent pillars to facilitate quantum-safe software engineering. The first pillar, PQC-Aware Detection, aims to enrich current cryptographic bill of materials with detailed code-level information, linking cryptographic uses to call graphs and dataflow slices. This enhanced understanding will move beyond simply identifying cryptographic assets to understanding how they function within the broader system. Realising this requires new static and dynamic analyses, potentially augmented by machine learning, to construct these enriched inventories in a scalable and language-agnostic manner. Pillar two, Semantic Crypto-Refactoring, proposes systematic, reusable transformation schemata to address code-level changes required by post-quantum algorithms. A specific example cited is a pattern for migrating from RSA to ML-DSA, which would propagate size and type changes through data structures, database schemas, and protocol messages, while also introducing hybrid modes and refactoring towards crypto-agile abstractions. This approach aims to move beyond ad-hoc scripting and enable automated or semi-automated migration at scale. The third pillar, Hybrid Correctness Verification, advocates for continuous, post-quantum-specific regression testing and non-functional checks. This includes combining traditional regression testing with metamorphic and differential testing between classical and post-quantum variants, alongside static and dynamic analyses for side-channel resilience, such as approximate constant-time behaviour. Integrating these checks into CI/CD pipelines will transform quantum readiness from a one-time audit into a continuous assurance process. Automated adaptation and continuous assurance for post-quantum cryptographic software The increasing threat to cybersecurity has driven standardisation of post-quantum cryptography (PQC). The AQuA framework centres on three key pillars: PQC-aware detection, semantic refactoring, and hybrid verification. This involves integrating checks into continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD) pipelines, enabling a continuous assurance process for quantum readiness rather than a single audit. Such hybrid verification workflows combine traditional regression testing with metamorphic and differential testing, comparing classical and PQC versions of systems, alongside static and dynamic analyses to enhance side-channel resilience.

This research establishes QSSE as a distinct area of study and introduces a conceptual framework for tools designed to facilitate PQC migration. The work acknowledges that transitioning to a quantum-safe world is not solely a cryptographic issue, but a substantial software evolution undertaking. Future efforts should focus on collaborative development and evaluation of tools supporting PQC-aware detection, refactoring, and verification, ensuring safe and scalable implementation of PQC. The authors highlight the need for ongoing assurance processes, transforming quantum readiness from a one-time assessment into a continuous, automated stage within software development lifecycles. 👉 More information 🗞 Toward Quantum-Safe Software Engineering: A Vision for Post-Quantum Cryptography Migration 🧠 ArXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/2602.05759 Tags: