Contextual Key Mapping for Granular Data Encryption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data encryption techniques face challenges in managing complex data protection environments where data access is restricted by diverse contextual factors, leading to increased vulnerability due to the use of a limited number of encryption keys, which can expose large amounts of data if stolen, and require complex management layers for access control.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a contextual key manager that uses a mapping layer based on simple rules involving contextual information to manage encryption keys, allowing for highly granular protection by discovering relevant contextual information and mapping it to specific keys, reducing the impact of key theft and simplifying management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a limited number of encryption keys are used for data protection, then key management is simplified, but data vulnerability increases because key theft exposes large amounts of data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the encryption key space by introducing contextual parameters (location, time, device, user) that divide the key management into multiple isolated contexts. Each context uses its own encryption key, so that compromise of one key does not expose data in other contexts. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by allowing many keys to be used without proportionally increasing management complexity, as keys are automatically selected based on context.
2Adaptability or versatility
If contextual access control is implemented with multiple encryption keys, then data protection granularity is improved, but management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service key management where the contextual parameters embedded in the data or access requests automatically determine which encryption key to use. The system autonomously selects and applies the appropriate key based on context matching, eliminating the need for manual key assignment and complex administrative management. This resolves the contradiction by providing fine-grained contextual control without requiring proportional increases in management overhead.
3Measurement precision
If manual key management is used for contextual access control, then access precision is maintained, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-embedding contextual parameters (location, time, device identifiers) into the data or access requests before encryption or access attempts occur. These pre-established context markers enable automatic key selection without real-time manual intervention, maintaining precise contextual access control while eliminating time-consuming manual key management operations.
Data Source
AI summary
Example methods, apparatus, systems and articles of manufacture (e.g., physical storage media) to implement contextual key management for data encryption are disclosed. Example apparatus disclosed herein are to identify a combination of context rules mapped to a key associated with encrypted data, the combination of context rules including at least two context rules. Disclosed example apparatus are also to discover first context information and second context information associated with the combination of context rules, the first context information obtained from a request to access the encrypted data, the second context information separate from the request. Disclosed example apparatus are further to evaluate the combination of context rules based on the first context information and the second context information to validate the request.