In January 2026, Balassai delivered a security-focused enhancement to the apache/flink repository by modernizing SSL cipher configurations within the runtime test suite. Using Java and Shell, Balassai updated multiple test files to adopt modern cipher suites, thereby reducing reliance on deprecated algorithms and improving the long-term maintainability of test environments. The work required careful attention to cross-file compatibility and thorough testing to ensure seamless integration of the new settings. By aligning with the FLINK-38986 initiative, Balassai’s contribution strengthened the security posture of Flink’s test infrastructure and provided clear documentation to support ongoing maintenance and future development efforts.