Introduction

At ShitOps, safeguarding data integrity and confidentiality is paramount. With the advent of quantum computing, classical cryptographic methods like RSA face existential threats. To future-proof our security infrastructure, we embarked on an ambitious project: integrating quantum-resistant cryptography techniques into our existing RSA-based security protocols using TypeScript. This post delves deeply into our novel approach which, while intricate, ensures unrivalled security against imminent quantum threats.

The Challenge

Traditional RSA cryptography, although robust against classical attacks, is vulnerable to Shor's algorithm when quantum computers reach maturity. Transitioning entirely to new cryptographic schemes is non-trivial and poses compatibility challenges.

Our goal was to design a hybrid cryptosystem that retains RSA's familiarity while embedding quantum-resistant primitives, implemented entirely in TypeScript for seamless integration into our frontend and backend systems.

Architectural Overview

We devised a multi-layered cryptographic stack:

  1. Quantum-Resistant Key Generation Module (QR-KGM): Leveraging lattice-based cryptography implemented via WebAssembly-powered modules written in Rust, compiled to WASM, then bridged into TypeScript for performance and security.

  2. RSA Key Wrapping Layer: Wrapping classical RSA keys within a quantum-resistant envelope, utilizing advanced JSON Web Encryption (JWE) standards, augmented for quantum resistance.

  3. TypeScript Crypto Orchestrator: An intricate TypeScript orchestrator managing cryptographic operations, including session key negotiation, key rotation, and fallback mechanisms.

  4. Consensus-based Key Verification: Distributed key verification via a consortium of microservices using blockchain-inspired consensus algorithms to authenticate keys.

  5. Homomorphic Encryption Layer: For secure computation without decryption, built atop a TypeScript-implemented homomorphic crypto library.

Below is a high-level flowchart illustrating the data flow and cryptographic operations:

flowchart TD A[Client Initiates Connection] --> B[TypeScript Crypto Orchestrator] B --> C[QR-KGM generates quantum-resistant keys] C --> D[RSA Key Wrapping Layer] D --> E[Consensus-based Key Verification Microservices] E --> F[Session Established with Hybrid Crypto] F --> G[Homomorphic Encryption Layer for Secure Computation] G --> H[Data Exchange]

Implementation Details

Quantum-Resistant Key Generation Module

We utilized lattice-based schemes, particularly NTRUEncrypt, renowned for quantum resistance. Implementing this in TypeScript directly was impractical due to performance constraints. Instead, Rust implementations were compiled to WebAssembly, exposing APIs to the TypeScript orchestrator. This ensured a balance between performance and integration ease.

RSA Key Wrapping Layer

The classical RSA keys were wrapped within a quantum-resistant shell utilizing JSON Web Encryption (JWE) with additional proprietary quantum-resistance extensions. This dual-layer approach maintains RSA compatibility while mitigating quantum vulnerabilities.

TypeScript Crypto Orchestrator

The orchestrator manages key lifecycle events, handles cryptographic function calls, and negotiates security parameters dynamically. It employs advanced design patterns such as the Event Sourcing pattern combined with the Command Query Responsibility Segregation (CQRS) to handle the complex state of cryptographic sessions.

Consensus-based Key Verification

To combat man-in-the-middle attacks and ensure key authenticity, we implemented a consortium of microservices that perform consensus validation. Each microservice operates in isolated Docker containers, orchestrated via Kubernetes, communicating via gRPC with mutual TLS authentication.

The consensus algorithm is inspired by Practical Byzantine Fault Tolerance (PBFT), ensuring resilience and fault tolerance.

Homomorphic Encryption Layer

For scenarios demanding encrypted computation, such as analytics on sensitive data, a homomorphic encryption layer was integrated. A fully TypeScript implementation of the CKKS scheme was utilized, enabling encrypted arithmetic without decryption, preserving data confidentiality end-to-end.

Performance Optimization

Recognizing the computational overhead of this layered system, several optimization strategies were employed:

Security Considerations

Our platform underwent extensive penetration testing and formal verification using automated tools and manual code audits. The multi-layered approach significantly raised the bar for any potential adversary.

Conclusion

The integration of quantum-resistant cryptography with RSA within a TypeScript ecosystem provides ShitOps with a forward-looking, secure infrastructure. This elegant blend of classical and quantum-ready techniques, enriched by cutting-edge technology stacks and design paradigms, demonstrates our commitment to pioneering solutions in the face of emerging quantum threats.

We invite the community to explore, critique, and build upon our groundbreaking framework.

Dr. Waffle McBits Senior Cryptographic Solutions Architect at ShitOps