Build Systems That Can Change Algorithms
The PQC migration will not be the last cryptographic transition. Cryptographic agility — the ability to change algorithms without major re-engineering — is what makes the next transition affordable. But agility is widely claimed and rarely achieved. This course teaches the architecture patterns that genuinely deliver cryptographic agility, how to distinguish them from patterns that only appear agile, and how to test whether a system can actually switch algorithms under realistic conditions.
Who Should Take This Course
Software architects, cryptographic engineers, principal engineers, and security architects designing systems for long-term cryptographic maintainability.
What You Will Learn
This course provides hands-on technical depth in a specific dimension of PQC migration, aligned with the PQC Migration Framework. You will gain practical, applicable skills you can use immediately in migration work.
Course Outline
Module 1 — What Cryptographic Agility Means
Defining cryptographic agility precisely. The difference between configurable and agile. Why most systems claimed to be agile are not. The cost of inagility: why the current migration is so expensive. Agility as a design property versus a bolt-on feature.
Module 2 — Agility Architecture Patterns
Architecture patterns that achieve agility. Abstraction layers for cryptographic operations. Algorithm negotiation at the protocol layer. Configuration-driven algorithm selection. Provider patterns and cryptographic service interfaces. Anti-patterns that defeat agility.
Module 3 — Implementing Agility
Implementing agility at the application, protocol, and infrastructure layers. Retrofitting agility into existing systems. Key management for agile systems. Handling algorithm-specific differences (key sizes, signature sizes, performance) behind an agile interface.
Module 4 — Testing, Standards, and Compliance
Testing cryptographic agility: verifying that a system can actually switch algorithms. Standards for cryptographic agility. Compliance frameworks that require agility. Building agility verification into ongoing assurance. The relationship between agility and future migration readiness.
Format and Delivery
Online (self-paced) — US$499. Approximately 4 hours. 90-day access.
Live online (instructor-led) — US$499. Scheduled sessions.
Corporate delivery — Custom in-person or online delivery for teams. Contact training@quantumacademy.com.
Prerequisites
A working understanding of PQC fundamentals is recommended. Consider Post-Quantum Foundation or PQCS certification for background. Some courses assume security engineering experience.
Certificate of Completion
Upon completion, you will receive a Quantum Academy certificate of completion. CPE credits earned may apply toward Quantum Academy certification maintenance.