Master Thesis, Internship

Overview

With evolving cryptographic standards for post-quantum algorithms, newly discovered vulnerabilities and regulatory mandates, cryptographic agility - the capability to seamlessly adapt to new cryptographic algorithms - has become essential for secure, future-proof software systems. Organizations must be able to migrate to updated algorithms and allow for easy upgrades without major disruption.

This project aims to simplify the way developers consume cryptography, through existing frameworks or novel solutions tailored to support cryptographic operations in a crypto agile manner. The work intersects software engineering and applied cryptography, offering substantial real-world impact.

Potential Projects

• Expand the capabilities of IBM's Crypto-as-a-Service (CaaS) implementation
• Implement an OpenSSL Provider to easily switch cryptographic algorithms in a crypto-agile manner
• Implement a client-side SDK for executing cryptography in a confidential compute environment
• Protocol-Specific offload of cryptography to CaaS in a language of choice (Ex. TLSv1.3 implementation in OpenSSL)
• and more ...
  
  

Required Skills

• Basic Understanding of Cryptography: Knowledge of core cryptographic principles like encryption, hashing, and digital signatures.
• Strong Software Engineering Skills: Proficiency in modular design, secure coding, and API design.
• Proficiency in one Programming Language: Experience in a language such as Python, Java, Rust, C, C++, or Go.

Desired Skills

• Experience with Cryptographic Libraries: Basic familiarity with libraries such as OpenSSL, Bouncy Castle, or other widely used cryptography libraries.
• C Programming: Helpful for working with lower-level cryptographic libraries.
  
  

Diversity

IBM is committed to diversity at the workplace. With us you will find an open, multicultural environment. Excellent flexible working arrangements enable all genders to strike the desired balance between their professional development and their personal lives.

How to apply

If you are interested in this position, please submit your most recent curriculum vitae.