A Single-Root, Multi-Curve, Context-Isolated, PQC-Pluggable Cryptographic Identity Primitive with Stateless Secret Rotation

TL;DR

The paper addresses the inadequacy of legacy wallet standards like $BIP$-$39$ and $BIP$-$32$ for multi-curve and post-quantum environments by introducing MSCIKDF, a single-root, context-isolated, PQC-pluggable identity primitive with stateless secret rotation. It formalizes a root $R$, a context-derivation function $K_C = F(R,C)$, and algorithm slots to support independent identity streams across domains, while ensuring zero-linkability and cross-context isolation. Key contributions include a rigorous design for multi-curve independence, forward/backward secrecy under rotation, and the ability to upgrade cryptographic algorithms without changing the root, enabling durable identity across evolving PQC standards. The proposed framework promises a scalable, infrastructure-level root of trust suitable for crypto wallets, enterprise KMS, secure messaging, IoT, and AI agents, enabling deterministic yet isolated identities through time without stateful migration.

Abstract

Cryptographic identity anchors modern decentralized systems, yet current standards like BIP-39 and BIP-32 are structurally insufficient for the demands of multi-curve, multi-domain, and post-quantum (PQC) environments. These legacy schemes rely on a monolithic identity root with no inherent context isolation, algorithm agility, or secure secret rotation. This paper introduces MSCIKDF, a single-root, multi-curve, context-isolated, PQC-pluggable cryptographic identity primitive. MSCIKDF defines a new architectural foundation where identity is derived deterministically but with cryptographically enforced separation across diverse contexts (e.g., blockchain, E2EE, KMS, IoT). It achieves strong security invariants -- such as zero-linkability, multi-curve independence, and resistance to cross-context correlation -- while offering stateless secret rotation that preserves long-term identity continuity without requiring asset migration. MSCIKDF is proposed as an infrastructure-level upgrade to deterministic identity, establishing a durable and algorithm-agnostic root of trust suitable for the next decade of distributed systems, AI agents, and PQC migration.

Figures (3)

• Figure 1: MSCIKDF core architecture showing the single root R derivation to multiple context-isolated streams
• Figure 2: Stateless secret rotation mechanism showing multiple usage states from single root R
• Figure 3: Context isolation mechanism showing independent derivation streams from single root