Cloud Key Rotation via Batch Processing and Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current key rotation methods in cloud-computing environments require individual key-by-key rotation and lack the ability to rotate all keys simultaneously or adjust rotation frequency, particularly posing challenges during security compromises.
Innovation Solution
A key rotation process on a cloud-based platform that identifies unused key pairs and rotates them on a scheduled or user-requested basis, with instructions to switch to the second key when both are in use, ensuring seamless transition and efficient rotation of the first key in subsequent cycles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If key rotation is performed on a key-by-key basis, then individual key security can be maintained, but the overall key rotation efficiency and ability to respond to security compromises is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple individual key rotation operations into a single batch process. The key rotation system identifies all key pairs associated with cloud resources and processes them collectively, allowing multiple keys to be rotated simultaneously in one operation rather than sequentially one by one.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the key rotation process into distinct phases: identifying key pairs, determining usage status, rotating unused keys, and managing key switches for active keys. This segmentation allows the complex batch rotation to be handled systematically and safely.
2Reliability
If all keys are rotated simultaneously, then security response to compromises is improved, but service disruption risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary identification and classification of key pairs before rotation. It determines which keys are currently in use and which are unused, preparing a rotation plan that prioritizes unused keys while planning key switches for active keys to minimize disruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The key rotation process is dynamic and adaptive. It monitors which keys are currently in use by cloud resources and adjusts the rotation strategy accordingly - rotating unused keys immediately while scheduling rotations for active keys at appropriate times to avoid service disruption.
3Reliability
If key rotation frequency is increased, then security is improved, but operational complexity and overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The key rotation system operates autonomously without requiring manual intervention for each key. It automatically identifies key pairs, determines usage status, executes rotations, and manages the entire process self-service style, reducing operational complexity while maintaining high rotation frequency.
Data Source
AI summary
In an embodiment, systems and methods for rotating keys is provided. A key rotation process is performed on a cloud-based computing platform either on a scheduled basis or on request of a user or administrator. As part of the key rotation process, key pairs associated with cloud resources are identified. Of the identified key pairs, keys that are not currently being used in a key vault are identified and rotated. For identified key pairs where both keys are currently being used, an instruction is sent to the associated resources to switch to a second key of the key pair. The first key will then be rotated the next time the rotation process is executed.