Crypto-Variable Array Key Derivation for Quantum-Resistant Communications
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing encryption systems in communication systems face challenges such as reliance on pre-shared keys, high overhead in key agreement protocols, and vulnerability to quantum attacks, especially in low bandwidth and high latency environments.
Innovation Solution
A communications system that uses a crypto-variable array to generate keys for encryption and decryption, incorporating a mixkey for Perfect Forward Secrecy and anti-tamper protection, which allows for quantum-resistant keying without traditional public key infrastructure exchanges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional public key encryption systems are used for key agreement, then security is provided, but quantum vulnerability increases and overhead is considerable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional public key cryptographic mechanisms (asymmetric encryption) with a quantum-resistant key derivation mechanism. Instead of using public key infrastructure (PKI) with mathematical problems vulnerable to quantum attacks (like RSA or ECC), the system uses a symmetric key derivation function that takes a pre-shared key and communication-specific inputs (timestamps, nonces, sequence numbers) to generate session keys. This substitution eliminates quantum vulnerability while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters used for key generation from static pre-shared keys to dynamic parameters that include communication-specific variables such as timestamps, nonces, and sequence numbers. The key derivation function processes these changing parameters to produce unique session keys for each communication instance, providing both security and quantum resistance without requiring public key exchanges.
2Reliability
If session key agreement protocols with handshakes are used, then key freshness is improved, but communication overhead and latency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs key derivation in advance and stores the derived session keys locally in secure memory. When communication is needed, the pre-derived keys are immediately available without requiring real-time handshake protocols. The system pre-processes key material using the pre-shared key and communication parameters, then caches the results for immediate use, eliminating handshake latency while ensuring key freshness through the use of communication-specific inputs in the derivation process.
Solution Approach 2:
Each endpoint independently derives session keys using its local pre-shared key and communication-specific inputs (such as its own timestamp and nonce). The system does not require the other endpoint to participate in key generation or verification handshakes. Each device self-services its key generation needs by locally computing the derivation function with its unique parameters, eliminating the need for interactive key agreement protocols and reducing communication overhead.
3Ease of manufacture
If pre-shared keys are used for encryption, then setup simplicity is improved, but security over time deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static pre-shared key into dynamic session keys through a derivation function that incorporates changing parameters such as timestamps, nonces, and sequence numbers. The pre-shared key serves as a seed, but the actual encryption keys change dynamically with each communication session or message. This dynamic key generation maintains the simplicity of initial setup (only one pre-shared key needed) while achieving long-term security through continuous key evolution based on communication state.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the single pre-shared key into multiple unique session keys through the derivation function. Instead of using one static key for all communications, the system derives multiple distinct keys from the pre-shared key, each tied to specific communication parameters. This segmentation provides forward secrecy and limits the impact of potential key compromise to individual sessions rather than all communications, maintaining both setup simplicity and long-term security.
Data Source
AI summary
A communications system may include a first communications device having a first memory storing a crypto-variable (CV) array having N number of crypto-variables (CVs). A first processor cooperates with the first memory and selects M number of CVs from the CV array, the M number having identifiers associated therewith, generates a key using a cryptographic operation and based upon the selected M number of CVs, generates an encrypted message using the key, and transmits the identifiers of the selected M number of CVs and the encrypted message. A second communications device includes a second memory and the CV array stored therein. A second processor cooperates with the second memory and receives the identifiers for the selected M number of CVs and the encrypted message, generates the key using the cryptographic operation based upon the M number of CVs, and decrypts the encrypted message based upon the key.