Cloud Configuration Encryption via Certificate-Based Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing computer security methods fail to effectively protect sensitive information such as storage keys and user passwords from leakage in cloud-based applications, particularly in Microsoft Azure, where configuration logs can expose sensitive data to unauthorized personnel.
Innovation Solution
A server system that securely provides and obtains configuration information by generating a certificate to transform configuration data into a protected configuration data file, using a cloud service role to enable secure storage and querying, with a private key associated with the certificate for secure access and logging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If configuration information is stored in plain text in cloud service definition files, then ease of operation and deployment is improved, but security and protection of sensitive information deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by encrypting configuration information before it is stored in the cloud service definition file. The configuration data is encrypted using a certificate-based encryption mechanism during the deployment preparation phase, so that when the file is later accessed or logged, the sensitive information remains protected. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining ease of deployment while preventing data leakage through pre-encryption.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If configuration information is encrypted using certificate-based encryption, then security and protection of sensitive information is improved, but device complexity and processing requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a certificate-based encryption mechanism as a mediator between the configuration information and the cloud service. The encryption system acts as an intermediary layer that automatically handles the complexity of cryptographic operations, key management, and decryption processes. This allows the core cloud service to remain relatively simple while still achieving strong security through the intermediary encryption layer.
3Ease of operation
If sensitive configuration data is accessible to authorized personnel for management, then ease of operation and maintenance is improved, but security and confidentiality of sensitive information deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing different access characteristics for different parts of the configuration data. Sensitive configuration information is encrypted and requires special decryption credentials, while non-sensitive configuration data remains accessible in plain text. This allows authorized personnel to easily manage and access non-sensitive configuration items while sensitive information remains protected, resolving the contradiction between ease of management and information confidentiality.
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments of the invention provide systems and methods for securing configuration information for cloud-based services. Some embodiments include a system comprising a data store and data sets including plant process information and configuration information. A memory device stores computer-executable instructions executable by a processor coupled to the cloud service. When executed, the instructions receive configuration information, store it in a data file, apply a generated certificate to the file, and deploy the resulting protected configuration data file to the cloud-based service. In addition, the protected configuration data file is made available by obtaining the file from the cloud-based service.