Abstract: Embodiments are directed towards enabling cryptographic key rotation without disrupting cryptographic operations. If key rotation is initiated, a transitional key may be generated by encrypting the current key with a built-in system key. A new key may be generated based one at least one determined key parameter. Next, the new key may be activated by the one or more key holders. If the new key is activated, it may be designated as the new current key. The new current key may be employed to encrypt the transitional key and store it in a key array. Each additional rotated key may be stored in the key array after it is encrypted by the current cryptographic key. Further, in response to a submission of an unencrypted query value, one or more encrypted values that correspond to a determined number of rotated cryptographic keys are generated.