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This work explores how evidence can remain valid beyond the lifespan of its cryptographic protection.

July 15, 2026Open Access

Evidence must outlive the cryptography that sealed it: a post-quantum audit doctrine

MIMicky IronsMaryland Institute College of Art

Key Points

This work explores how evidence can remain valid beyond the lifespan of its cryptographic protection.
Utilized post-quantum signatures as defined in FIPS 204 and 205.
Employed a hash-chained ledger for secure evidence storage.
Defined a re-signing path to maintain integrity without altering historical data.
Proposed methods demonstrate enhanced longevity of evidence compared to traditional cryptographic methods.
Re-signing paths effectively restore trust in the data without rewriting past records.

Abstract

Evidence outlives its cryptography when verification never depends on a single living scheme. Post-quantum signatures under FIPS 204 and 205 seal a hash-chained ledger, algorithm identifiers record what signed each entry, and a defined re-signing path renews trust without rewriting history.Originally published at https://mickai.co.uk/articles/evidence-must-outlive-the-cryptography-that-sealed-it. Mickai is a Sovereign Intelligence Operating System; the Open Audit Record signs every artificial intelligence action before it executes, post-quantum and offline-verifiable. 104 filed UK patent applications, Mickai LTD (Companies House 17166618).

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