Intelligent Cryptographic Module Online Reconfiguration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for an intelligent electronic cryptographic module that can selectively encrypt, decrypt, and securely transmit messages between an enterprise server and intelligent electronic devices, while allowing for online reconfiguration without interrupting normal functions or services, and supporting mixed-mode transmission to optimize security and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The module includes a cryptography chip and a processor that enables online reconfiguration and mixed-mode transmission, using authentication means like digital certificates and keys, and can function as both a cryptographic module and a remote terminal unit, allowing for secure communication and efficient data transmission without interrupting services.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If selective encryption and mixed-mode transmission are implemented, then security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cryptographic module segments encryption operations into different modes (encrypt/decrypt/pass-through) that can be selectively applied to different messages based on source, destination, or message type, allowing complex security requirements to be managed through modular configuration rather than monolithic processing logic
Solution Approach 2:
The module dynamically switches between encryption and pass-through modes based on real-time configuration parameters, enabling adaptive security where the level of encryption is adjusted according to the specific communication needs without requiring separate hardware for each mode
2Adaptability or versatility
If online reconfiguration is enabled, then adaptability is improved, but system stability worsens
Solution Approach 1:
Configuration changes are prepared and validated before being applied to the running cryptographic module, allowing reconfiguration without service interruption while maintaining system stability through pre-validation of configuration parameters
Solution Approach 2:
A configuration interface acts as an intermediary between the control system and the cryptographic module, buffering configuration changes and managing the transition state to ensure stable operation during reconfiguration events
3Productivity
If mixed-mode transmission is implemented, then bandwidth efficiency is improved, but encryption reliability worsens
Solution Approach 1:
Different encryption treatments are applied locally to different messages or data streams based on their specific requirements, allowing critical data to receive full encryption while non-critical data uses pass-through mode, optimizing both security and bandwidth efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
An intelligent electronic cryptographic module comprising a processor in communication with data storage, a cryptography chip for encrypting and decrypting messages and responses, at least one server-side port for receiving and transmitting encrypted and non-encrypted messages and responses between the intelligent electronic cryptographic module and an enterprise server, and at least one non-encrypted port for receiving and transmitting decrypted and non-encrypted messages and responses between the intelligent electronic cryptographic module and at least one intelligent electronic device. The data storage comprises computer instructions for instructing the processor to select a protocol module and telemetry method, authenticate the enterprise server and intelligent electronic cryptographic module, encrypt and decrypt messages and responses using the cryptography chip, and transmit and receive messages and responses.