Automated Cloud Key Exchange for Secure Instance Cloning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cloud instance replication processes do not securely transfer encryption keys, leaving a gap in secure data access during cloning or scaling, as security keys are not transferred, requiring manual import and posing security risks.
Innovation Solution
An automated key exchange framework is implemented, allowing a source cloud instance to securely provide encryption keys to a target instance through a key exchange process, which includes creating key specifications, approving requests, and encrypting keys with the target instance's public key, ensuring secure access to encrypted data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If cloud instance replication duplicates software installations and configuration settings including security keys, then the replication process is simple and fast, but security is compromised because security keys should not be transferred
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts security keys from the replication process entirely. Instead of duplicating keys from source to target instance, the system generates new keys at the target instance and uses key specifications to restore encrypted data access without transferring actual security credentials. This resolves the contradiction by removing the security risk while maintaining replication functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary key exchange configuration before replication occurs. Key specifications are pre-defined with access policies and permissions, allowing the system to automatically handle key restoration after replication without manual intervention. This enables fast replication while maintaining security through pre-planned key management.
2Reliability
If security keys are not transferred during replication, then security is maintained, but manual key import is required which increases complexity and potential for errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service key management where the target instance automatically requests and receives key specifications from the source instance, and the system automatically restores encrypted data using the new keys. This eliminates manual key import operations while maintaining security, as the automated process follows predefined policies and procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces key specifications as an intermediary between the actual security keys and the replication process. Instead of directly managing complex key transfers, the system uses key specifications (which contain metadata about keys without the actual secret material) to facilitate automatic key restoration. This simplifies the overall key management process while maintaining security.
3Reliability
If manual key import is required after replication, then security control is maintained, but time is lost and productivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary configuration of key exchange policies and key specifications before replication occurs. This allows the system to automatically handle the entire key restoration process after replication without requiring manual intervention or time-consuming key import operations, thus eliminating time loss while maintaining security control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the target instance automatically detects the need for key restoration after replication and initiates the key exchange process. The system monitors the replication status and triggers automated key management actions, eliminating delays associated with manual key import while maintaining security through automated policy enforcement.
Data Source
AI summary
A cryptographic key of a first instance of a group of one or more cloud nodes providing a service is managed. A request to share the cryptographic key with a second instance of a different group of one or more cloud nodes is received. A determination is made whether the second instance is allowed to access the cryptographic key. In response to a determination that the second instance is allowed to access the cryptographic key, the cryptographic key is encrypted with a target key of the second instance and the encrypted cryptographic key is signed using a cryptographic signature of the first instance. The signed encrypted cryptographic key is provided to the second instance.