DeRM Container for Tamper-Evident Data Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tamper-proof technologies for digital data are inadequate as they rely on physical protection methods that are vulnerable to interception and tampering during transit, and lack assurance of authenticity and integrity for recipients, especially when dealing with digital secrets that require encryption and key management.
Innovation Solution
A probabilistically digital tamper-proof container utilizing Destructive Read Memory (DeRM) elements that store content in a way that any significant reading destroys information, requiring knowledge of all destroyed content to restore the original state, and a method for loading and verifying data integrity using a side channel communication to ensure data has not been accessed previously.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical protection methods (locks, shells, guards) are used to protect digital data during transit, then the data can be physically secured, but the security is vulnerable to interception and tampering, and recipients cannot verify authenticity with 100% certainty
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical/physical security systems (locks, shells, guards) with a digital cryptographic system. Instead of relying on physical barriers that can be breached or cloned, the invention uses cryptographic hashes and digital signatures to provide tamper-evident protection. The DeRM element stores cryptographic data that automatically verifies integrity without requiring physical inspection or expert analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a cryptographic copy (hash) of the data that serves as an immutable verification mechanism. The DeRM element stores both the original data and its cryptographic hash, allowing recipients to verify authenticity by comparing hashes without needing to physically inspect the container or rely on expert authentication.
2Reliability
If cryptographic procedures are used to protect digital secrets, then strong encryption can be achieved, but key management and distribution remain vulnerable during transit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs cryptographic hash computation and DeRM element programming in advance, before data transit. The DeRM element is pre-configured with cryptographic parameters and the data's hash value, so that during transit, no additional cryptographic operations are needed. This eliminates the vulnerability window where keys or cryptographic data might be intercepted during transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The DeRM element acts as a trusted intermediary that holds and protects cryptographic data. Instead of transmitting sensitive keys or cryptographic parameters during transit, the system uses the DeRM element as a secure intermediary that already contains the necessary cryptographic verification data, eliminating the need for key distribution during transit.
3Reliability
If physical shells are made shatterable and unclonable to provide tamper evident protection, then authenticity can be verified, but expert investigation is required and insider attacks cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical tamper-evident shells with digital cryptographic verification. Instead of requiring physical inspection of shatterable shells by experts, the system uses cryptographic hash comparison that can be performed automatically by any recipient with standard computational tools. The verification process is accessible without specialized knowledge of counterfeit techniques or physical inspection skills.
4Reliability
If transport security (couriers, armed guards) is used to protect packages, then physical access can be controlled, but human vulnerability to insider attacks and compromise remains
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces human-based security (couriers, guards) with automated cryptographic verification. The DeRM element provides tamper-evident protection that does not rely on human trust or behavior. The cryptographic verification automatically detects any tampering, making the system immune to insider attacks regardless of who handles the physical container, as long as the DeRM element itself is not compromised.
Data Source
AI summary
This invention provides a probabilistically digital tamper proof container for data, a method for loading the data onto the container and a method for subsequently reading the data from the container whilst simultaneously verifying that the data loaded onto the container hasn't been read previously.