Cipher Engine Tag-Based Cryptography for Dynamic Key Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cryptography systems require significant changes and restarts when switching between different communication partners or encryption methods, leading to inefficiencies and disruptions in communication.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system of cipher engines that use predetermined tags for encryption and decryption, allowing for dynamic updates of key and purpose information without stopping operations, enabling seamless communication with multiple partners using various cryptographic schemes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If different cryptographic software is developed for each communication partner and message type, then communication security is improved, but device complexity and software maintenance burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal cryptographic software platform that can handle multiple communication partners and message types through a single system. The software uses configurable parameters such as encryption algorithms, key lengths, and protocol versions to adapt to different security requirements without requiring separate software instances for each partner or message type.
Solution Approach 2:
The cryptographic software is designed to be dynamically reconfigurable during runtime. Parameters including encryption algorithms, key management settings, and protocol configurations can be changed without requiring software modification or restart. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to respond to different security requirements while maintaining a single unified software instance.
2Adaptability or versatility
If cryptographic software is modified to implement new communication links or encryption methods, then adaptability is improved, but communication interruption occurs due to stopping and restarting software
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary configuration of cryptographic parameters and encryption methods before they are needed. Pre-configured templates for different encryption schemes and partner-specific settings are prepared in advance, allowing rapid deployment of new communication links without requiring software modification or restart. New encryption methods can be activated by simply selecting from pre-configured options.
Solution Approach 2:
The cryptographic software maintains continuous operation without interruption when adapting to new communication requirements. Configuration changes, algorithm switches, and key updates are performed in-memory during runtime without requiring the software to stop or restart. This ensures uninterrupted communication while maintaining cryptographic security and adaptability.
3Reliability
If encryption keys and schemes are changed frequently to maintain security, then security is improved, but processing overhead and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The key management system is segmented into hierarchical levels including master keys, session keys, and data encryption keys. This segmentation allows frequent rotation of lower-level keys (session keys) without affecting higher-level keys (master keys), reducing overall system complexity. Each key level can be managed and rotated independently based on security requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces key management intermediaries such as key derivation functions and key encapsulation mechanisms that simplify the process of generating, distributing, and rotating encryption keys. These intermediaries automate key lifecycle management tasks, reducing the complexity of frequent key changes while maintaining security. Key rotation can be performed automatically without manual intervention for each key change.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for multi-function and multi-purpose cryptography are described, including obtaining a message to be encrypted by a cipher engine configured to perform encryption using a plurality of predetermined tags with an encryption function; determining a tag of the plurality of predetermined tags based on the message; encrypting, by the cipher engine, the message using the tag to produce a ciphertext; and sending the ciphertext.