Cryptographic Parameter Generation via Puzzle Seeding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cryptography systems face challenges in generating secure cryptographic function parameters that resist attacks, particularly in ensuring the security of elliptic curve cryptography, where parameters are often fixed across multiple users and can be vulnerable to various attacks such as the Pollard rho and Pohlig-Hellman attacks.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for generating cryptographic function parameters using a pseudorandom generator seeded by solving puzzles, where the puzzle solution has a higher computational cost than verification, and incorporating randomness from astronomical events to enhance security, thereby reducing the reliance on pseudorandom functions and making parameter manipulation more costly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If fixed cryptographic parameters are used across multiple users, then system simplicity and ease of operation are improved, but security against attacks like Pollard rho and Pohlig-Hellman deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidsecurity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms static cryptographic parameters into dynamic ones by introducing time-varying components. Each user generates parameters that change over time based on their private key and current time, ensuring that parameters are different at different times and for different users, thus preventing attacks while maintaining operational simplicity through automated generation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the cryptographic parameters dynamically by incorporating time and user-specific private keys into the parameter generation process. The formula param = (a * t + b) mod p generates different parameters at different times, and the use of private keys ensures user-specific security, resolving the contradiction between fixed parameters and security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If cryptographic parameters are generated using pseudorandom functions, then generation speed is improved, but security against manipulation and attacks deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegeneration speedVSAvoidsecurity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-defining the parameter generation formula and securely storing private keys before actual cryptographic operations. The formula param = (a * t + b) mod p is established in advance, and private keys are securely generated beforehand, allowing fast parameter generation while maintaining security through the predetermined secure structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces time t as an intermediary element that bridges the pseudorandom generation process and security requirements. The time variable adds unpredictability and ensures that even with fast pseudorandom generation, the parameters cannot be easily predicted or manipulated, as they depend on the current time and secure private keys.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If standard cryptographic parameters are used, then compatibility and ease of operation are improved, but vulnerability to known attacks increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecompatibilityVSAvoidvulnerability to attacks
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by maintaining standard cryptographic parameters for general compatibility while introducing user-specific and time-specific variations for security. The base formula structure maintains compatibility with standard systems, but the incorporation of private keys and time variables creates locally unique secure parameters for each user and time point, resisting known attacks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3286747B1Generating cryptographic function parameters from a puzzle
Publication Date: 2021.07.21 BLACKBERRY LTD
  • EP3286747B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3286747B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3286747B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Methods, systems, and computer programs for generating cryptographic function parameters are described. In some examples, a solution to a puzzle is obtained. A pseudorandom generator is seeded based on the solution. After seeding the pseudorandom generator, an output from the pseudorandom generator is obtained. A parameter for a cryptographic function is generated. The parameter is generated from the output from the pseudorandom generator.