Autonomous Pseudo-Random Seed Generator for IoT Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
IoT-type devices operating in resource-constrained environments face challenges in securing their operations due to lack of computing and processing power, making them vulnerable to hacking and other security risks, as traditional security measures like anti-virus and malware defenses are not suitable for these devices.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous pseudo-random seed generator (APRSG) is implemented using linear feedback shift registers (LFSRs) and grammatical evolution tools like PonyGE2, which generates a suitable distribution of randomness without relying on real-time clocks, enhancing security by introducing unpredictability in seed values and reducing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional security measures (anti-virus, malware defenses) are implemented, then security protection is improved, but device complexity and power consumption increase beyond what resource-constrained IoT devices can support
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the security function from complex traditional security software and implements it through a dedicated hardware security module containing a pseudo-random number generator. This separates the security functionality from the main processor, providing protection without requiring the IoT device to run resource-intensive security software.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a pseudo-random number generator to create cryptographic keys and security parameters that replicate the security functions of traditional anti-virus and malware defense systems. Instead of implementing full security suites, the device generates cryptographic materials that provide equivalent security protection through hardware-based random number generation.
2Reliability
If real-time clocks are used to generate random seeds, then randomness quality is improved, but power consumption increases due to continuous clock operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a power-efficient random number generation system that operates periodically rather than continuously. The pseudo-random number generator is activated only when random numbers are needed for cryptographic operations, rather than maintaining continuous clock operation. This reduces power consumption while still providing high-quality randomness when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism that captures entropy from periodic system events (such as timer interrupts or sensor readings) and uses it to seed the pseudo-random number generator. This intermediary layer converts periodic, low-power events into high-quality random seeds without requiring continuous power consumption from real-time clocks.
Data Source
AI summary
Briefly, example methods, apparatuses, and/or articles of manufacture are disclosed that may be implemented, in whole or in part, using one or more computing devices to facilitate and/or support one or more operations and/or techniques for an autonomous pseudo-random seed generator (APRSG) for embedded computing devices, which may include IoT-type devices, such as implemented in connection with one or more computing and/or communication networks and/or protocols.