Blockchain Digital Signature Hashing Quantum Security

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Digital signatures face challenges in long-term security, especially with the advent of quantum computers, as existing cryptographic methods like RSA and ECC become vulnerable to attacks, and there is a need to preserve the evidentiary value of signatures over time.

Innovation Solution

A blockchain-based method is employed to secure digital signatures by hashing them and storing the hash values in a blockchain, which provides a tamper-proof and unchangeable record, using collision-resistant hash functions to protect against quantum computer attacks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If classic digital signature schemes (RSA, ECC) are used, then current security requirements are met, but long-term security against quantum computer attacks is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelong-term securityVSAvoidquantum computer attacks
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by hashing the digital signature immediately upon creation and storing the hash value in a blockchain before any potential quantum attacks could occur. This proactive measure ensures that even if the original signature becomes vulnerable to quantum attacks in the future, its hash value remains securely anchored in the immutable blockchain, preserving long-term security and non-repudiation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Duration of action of stationary object

If digital signatures are archived for long-term preservation, then evidential value is maintained, but vulnerability to future cryptanalysis increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvearchival durationVSAvoidsecurity against future attacks
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the essential security element (the hash value of the signature) from the complete signature data and stores only this extracted hash value in the blockchain. This separation allows the signature to be archived long-term while the critical verification element remains protected in the immutable blockchain, maintaining both archival duration and security against future attacks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a cryptographic copy (hash value) of the signature and stores this copy in the blockchain instead of the original signature. This copy serves as an immutable reference that can be verified long-term without exposing the original signature to potential future cryptanalysis, thus enabling long-term archival while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Reliability

If hash functions are used to secure signatures, then quantum security is achieved, but the need for additional security layers (blockchain) remains

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvequantum securityVSAvoidsecurity architecture
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges two security mechanisms (hash functions and blockchain) into a unified security architecture. The hash function provides quantum-resistant cryptographic properties, while the blockchain provides immutable storage and temporal anchoring. Together, they create a comprehensive security solution that addresses both quantum security and long-term archival requirements in an integrated manner.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4440036A1Blockchain-based digital signature securing method
Publication Date: 2024.10.02 BUNDESDRUCKEREI GMBH
  • EP4440036A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4440036A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4440036A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for blockchain-based security of digital signatures. The method comprises providing a blockchain (110) and receiving an entry request for the entry of a hash value (136) of a digital signature (134) to be secured by means of the blockchain (110). Furthermore, the method comprises creating an additional block (106) for the blockchain (110) in which the received hash value (136) of the signature (134) to be secured is entered, and adding the additional block (106) containing the received hash value (136) of the signature (134) to be secured to the blockchain (110).