The article outlines four implementation patterns for integrating Post-Quantum Cryptography into Spring Boot applications. These include encrypting inter-service payloads, protecting specific database fields, signing long-lived documents, and replacing RS256 service tokens. The author emphasizes that Harvest Now, Decrypt Later threats are active and that KMS or Vault integration is mandatory for production safety.
- Migrate service tokens from RS256 to PQC-compatible algorithms to prevent future decryption.
- Use PQC for encrypting payloads between microservices to ensure long-term confidentiality.
- Lock down sensitive database fields with PQC encryption before quantum threats materialize.
- Sign critical documents with PQC signatures to guarantee integrity for decades.
- Deploy KMS or Vault immediately; PQC is not production-safe without centralized key management.