Cryptographic Module Secret Update Method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Updating cryptographic secrets in a large number of cryptographic modules is cumbersome and expensive, requiring secure environments and not allowing for resumption of updates after interruptions, which can lead to data corruption and loss of access.
Innovation Solution
A method that ensures successful loading of secrets by comparing version numbers, marking the module for reloading, and updating secrets one by one, allowing for resumption from the same or different machines, with version numbers stored securely, ensuring consistency and integrity of data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If secrets are updated in a secure environment, then security requirements are met, but the operation becomes unwieldy and expensive when the number of cryptographic modules is significant
Solution Approach 1:
The cryptographic module performs self-update of its secrets using the method described. The module autonomously compares version numbers, loads new secrets if needed, and updates itself without requiring external intervention in a secure environment. This transforms the complex manual update process into an automated self-service operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The method uses version numbers as parameters to track and manage secret updates. By comparing version numbers before and after updates, the system can determine whether secrets need to be reloaded and maintain consistency across multiple cryptographic modules, simplifying the update management process.
2Reliability
If cryptographic modules do not permit read and write access to secrets, then security level is guaranteed, but the process of updating secrets cannot be resumed after failure
Solution Approach 1:
The method performs preliminary actions by first comparing version numbers to determine whether secrets need to be updated. It also prepares the update process by checking the current state of secrets before initiating the loading process, which allows for systematic resumption after interruptions without compromising security.
Solution Approach 2:
The method implements feedback mechanisms through version number comparisons. The system continuously monitors the version numbers of secrets and provides feedback on whether updates are needed and where interruptions occurred, enabling the process to be resumed from the correct point while maintaining security constraints.
3Stability of the object's composition
If secrets are updated one by one, then consistency can be maintained, but the updating process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The method performs preliminary comparison of version numbers for all secrets before initiating the update process. This allows the system to identify which secrets need updating and in what order, enabling efficient sequential updates while maintaining consistency. The preliminary planning phase reduces the actual update time by avoiding unnecessary operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The method ensures continuity of useful action by implementing a resumable update process. If an interruption occurs, the system can continue from the exact point where it left off, rather than restarting the entire update process. This maintains consistency while minimizing time loss from interruptions.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of modifying a set of secrets in a cryptographic module, to ensure that the modifying is either successful or invalid. The module includes readable version numbers for each secret and for the set of secrets. If the version number of the set of secrets is equal to a version number requiring the loading of a set of new secrets, the version number of the set of secrets of the cryptographic module is set to a distinctive number indicating that the cryptographic module is being reloaded. Next, for each secret, if the version number of the secret is different from the version number of the corresponding new secret to be loaded, the new secret and its version number are loaded. Next the version number of the set of secrets of the cryptographic module is set to the version number of the set of new secrets.