How to Start Testing Quantum-Safe Encryption in Your App

Posted on July 3, 2025 by CodeKairos

Quantum computers are coming — and when they do, they’ll render today’s encryption useless. But you don’t need to wait for a “crypto crash” to start preparing. Whether you're a mobile app developer, backend engineer, or startup founder, it’s time to start testing Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC).

🔐 Why You Should Care About Post-Quantum Encryption

Standard encryption like RSA, ECC, and DSA is vulnerable to quantum attacks. Once quantum machines mature, they’ll be able to decrypt sensitive data harvested today. This means any long-lived data you protect now might be at risk in the future.

⚙️ Step-by-Step: How to Begin Testing PQC

1. Start with Open Quantum Safe (OQS)

Use the Open Quantum Safe project to test Kyber and Dilithium in real-world scenarios. OQS provides:

liboqs: C library of quantum-safe algorithms
OQS-OpenSSL: Integrate PQC with TLS/SSL
Example Code: For client-server encryption tests

2. Simulate a PQC TLS Connection

Follow Cloudflare’s example to create a test environment using Kyber or Dilithium over TLS. This helps simulate how your server or app might behave in a quantum-secure world.

3. Use Modular Crypto Libraries (e.g. Tink)

Tools like Google Tink are expanding to support quantum-safe encryption. These libraries allow easy switching between algorithms, so you can test PQC without breaking everything.

4. Start with Hybrid Cryptography

Some libraries allow you to combine classical and quantum-safe algorithms. This is known as “hybrid mode” and is ideal for gradual transitions.

5. Evaluate Compatibility and Performance

Quantum-safe encryption can be bulkier and slower — so test for impacts on:

App size (mobile)
Connection speed (backend)
CPU usage (IoT or embedded devices)

🚀 Bonus: Use PQC in New Projects

Already building a secure app? Start with PQC-ready libraries now — even if it’s experimental. This positions you ahead of the curve when PQC becomes a requirement.

📌 Final Thought

Quantum-safe encryption isn’t a future problem — it’s a now opportunity. Starting early will save you from a painful migration later. At CodeKairos, we encourage every developer to start testing post-quantum cryptography today.