Starter chip card - Quantum-Ready security and authentication system

Abstract

A starter smart card combined with a terminal and backend, wherein the starter smart card contains a secure element that provides hardware root of trust and secure boot, generates short-lived session keys, supports hybrid cryptographic systems, logs transactions, the terminal verifies card integrity, supports offline / online mode, provides logging and containment mechanisms, the backend manages keys, performs key rotation, revocation and OTA updates, and includes a quantum-ready access layer for future post-quantum cryptography.

Description

1. Introduction

[0001] The present invention describes a highly secure authentication and access system in the form of a starter smart card that meets current security requirements and is also prepared for future quantum computing attacks. The invention enables the secure identification and authentication of users, the isolation of compromised devices, and the long-term integrity of system components.

[0002] The starter chip card, together with a terminal / card reader and a backend KMS infrastructure, forms a closed security ecosystem. Through the use of hybrid cryptographic methods (classical + post-quantum-ready) and redundant, tamper-proof storage areas, the system is able to detect attacks early, automatically isolate them, and lock the affected components before any damage occurs. 2. System goals

[0003] The starter chip card pursues the following central goals: 1. Maximum security against unauthorized access and manipulation:

[0004] All security-relevant data, keys, and transaction levels are protected within the Secure Element (SE), with the Hardware Rod of Trust and the Secure Boot process ensuring that only trusted firmware is executed. 2. Quantum-Ready Architecture:

[0005] The implementation supports classical encryption as well as post-quantum algorithms, making the system future-proof against future quantum attacks without requiring hardware replacement. 3. Rapid Incident Response:

[0006] Compromising cards or terminals could be isolated, and their session keys distributed via the OTA system. 4. Transparency and traceability:

[0007] All processes are documented in tamper-evident logs. These logs are signed and can be reviewed at any time by authorized bodies. 3. System components 3.1 Starter chip card (SE)

[0008] The starter chip card contains a Secure Element with hardware root of trust. This SE is responsible for keys, generating short-lived session keys, and encrypting communication between the terminal and backend. Key features: *Secure Boot: Guarantees that only trusted firmware is loaded. * Key derivation & PIN management. The card supports dynamic PIN verification and derived keys for different transactions. * Provisioning during the supply chain: Cards are initialized, registered, and cryptographically signed before reaching the end user. * Configurable firmware: Enables different operating modes each Use cases include, for example, automotive, building access, and IoT. 3.2 Terminal / Card Reader

[0009] The terminal serves as an interface between the user and the backend. It supports both online and offline modes and ensures the secure processing of authentication data. Features and processes: * Signed Booth & Authification: The terminal checks its own integrity before starting. * Edge anomaly detection: Unusual transaction patterns are detected locally and reported to the backend. * Containment mechanisms. If an attack is detected, the terminal is isolated and the card is blocked. * Communication with SE and backend: Signed transactions, encrypted sessions, support for OTA updates. * Logging and event signing: Every transaction is recorded in a traceable manner, both locally and in the backend. 3.3 Backend / KMS / OTA

[0010] The backend manages keys, card status, and firmware updates. Main functions: * Session Ley Management: Management of short-lived session keys, rotation, and revocation. * OTA updates: Secure distribution of firmware updates and keys. * Tamper-evident logs. All changes to map status or firmware are signed. * Redundancy and failover: Multi-backend instances prevent failures and ensure continuous operation. * Quantum-Ready Access Layer; Prepares the system for future post-quantum cryptography without requiring hardware replacement. 3.4 Partner Network & Infrastructure ur

[0011] The invention relates to a security and authentication system designed in particular for quantum computers, hybrid computing systems, and modular power supplies. The system comprises a multi-layered infrastructure with integrated device management, license control, and a segmented network structure to minimize attack surfaces.

[0012] Authenticated updates are distributed via a central management system, whereby each partner device can be uniquely identified by means of hardware-based authentication - preferably via a starter chip card and security certificates installed on the devices.

[0013] Device management is handled via a hierarchical role model with cryptographic identities. Each partner device receives a unique license identifier, which is managed by a central certificate authority and can be renewed or revoked as needed.

[0014] The license information is stored in the chip card or an equivalent hardware token, thus ensuring tamper-proof access.

[0015] To reduce the attack surface, the infrastructure is divided into functionally separate segments. These segments each comprise isolated communication, storage, and control layers that interact with each other only via tested interfaces. This prevents the compromise of individual system components without affecting the overall system.

[0016] The system supports various operating modes (multi-scenario support), allowing flexible adaptation to different deployment environments, including classical IT environments, hybrid quantum-classical networks, and self-sufficient mobile systems with DC or AC storage. In each scenario, authentication is performed via quantum-safe key management, utilizing both classical public-key systems and post-quantum-resistant algorithms.

[0017] The partner network includes manufacturers of quantum and energy modules, software providers, certification bodies, and integration partners who jointly provide an interoperable security architecture. This infrastructure ensures secure operation, scalable maintenance, and long-term compatibility between classical and quantum-based system components. Supplement: DC storage and energy infrastructure

[0018] The security and authentication system is coupled with a modular energy infrastructure based on mobile DC storage units. Each storage unit represents an energy unit that can operate independently of grid operators. Connection to external AC consumers or sources is established via an integrated or external converter, which is authenticated and activated using the starter chip card.

[0019] This connection ensures that only authorized users have access to charging, discharging, and grid switching functions. The DC storage system is part of both the energy supply and the security architecture. It serves as a physical instance for verifying the energy flow, authentication data, and communication signatures.

[0020] Within the partner network, multiple storage and energy units can be interconnected, with each unit possessing its own identity and license. This modular structure enables the construction of scalable, quantum-safe energy and data clusters. This interconnection ensures that only authorized users have access to charging, discharging, and grid switching functions. The DC storage system is integrated into both the energy supply and the security architecture. It serves as a physical instance for verifying energy flow, authentication data, and communication signatures.

[0021] Within the partner network, multiple storage and energy units can be interconnected, with each unit tracked via its own identity and license identifier. This modular structure enables the construction of scalable, quantum-safe energy and data clusters that can be deployed both stationary and mobile.

Claims

[1] Starter smart card in combination with a terminal and backend, wherein the starter smart card contains a Secure Element that provides hardware root of trust and secure boot, generates short-lived session keys, supports hybrid cryptographic systems, logs transactions, the terminal verifies the integrity of the card, supports offline / online mode, provides logging and containment mechanisms, the backend manages keys, performs key rotation, revocation and OTA updates, and includes a quantum-ready access layer for future post-quantum cryptography. [2] System for authentication between starter chip card and terminal, in which the starter chip card generates short-lived session keys, transmits them encrypted to the terminal, checks the integrity of the data by means of signatures, and upon detection of a security incident isolates the affected card, revokes session keys and imitates OTA key rollout. [3] System for the secure provisioning of the starter chip card in the supply chain, in which each card is initialized, cryptographically signed and integrated into the backend system, so that subsequent access or manipulation is excluded. [4] Quantum-Ready Access Layer, which enables the integration of future post-quantum cryptography without requiring the replacement of the hardware of the starter chip card or terminal. [5] Mechanism for the secure storage, backup and redundancy of session keys, revocation data and logs within the Secure Element, so that even in the event of hardware failure no security gaps arise. [6] Edge anomaly detection in the terminal, based on heuristic methods or machine learning models, for the immediate detection of suspicious transactions. [7] Tamper-evident, signed logs both on the card and in the backend, for full traceability of transactions. [8] Containment flow. Automatic blocking of compromised cards, isolation of affected terminals, immediate OTA key rollout. [9] Hybrid handshakes that combine classical cryptographic systems with post-quantum methods while remaining backward compatible. [10] Offline operating mode for terminal and card, which securely caches transactions and synchronizes them after reconnection. [11] Session key lifecycle management in the backend with automatic rotation, expiration control and recovery. [12] Firmware versioning and update history to ensure traceability of all changes. [13] Role-based authorization check in the terminal so that only authorized users can perform critical functions. [14] Secure Logging, every transaction with signature and encryption to prevent manipulation. [15] OTA update mechanism for firmware, verified by SE-Root-of-Trist, including signatures and version control. [16] Multi-backend redundancy with automatic fallover to ensure fault tolerance. [17] Variation protection for different terminal layouts and starter chip card hardware, including different SE types and pinouts.