DNS Key Server Infrastructure for Quantum-Resistant Web Sessions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional public-key cryptosystems are vulnerable to quantum computing and cryptanalytic advances, and existing symmetric-key infrastructures are not scalable for internet operations, necessitating a robust, secure, internet-scale symmetric-key infrastructure.
Innovation Solution
A DNS-based symmetric-key infrastructure (SKI) is implemented, where clients obtain shared symmetric keys through a network of key servers, using DNS to facilitate secure communications between clients and web servers by publishing authoritative key servers and employing recursive key servers to ensure both parties share a common symmetric key.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If public-key cryptosystems are used for secure communications, then security is provided, but vulnerability to quantum computing and cryptanalytic advances occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the key distribution function from public-key cryptosystems and implements it separately using symmetric-key infrastructure. The symmetric key infrastructure handles key generation and distribution, while public-key systems are used only for initial key exchange, thereby reducing vulnerability to quantum computing attacks on widespread key distribution mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces symmetric keys as an intermediary mechanism between communicating parties. Instead of relying solely on public-key infrastructure for all security operations, symmetric keys are used as a mediator for actual data encryption, providing forward secrecy and reducing the attack surface for quantum cryptanalysis.
2Reliability
If symmetric-key infrastructures are implemented for secure communications, then quantum resistance is achieved, but scalability for internet operations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the key management system into multiple components: symmetric-key infrastructure for quantum-resistant encryption, DNS-based key distribution mechanisms for scalability, and hierarchical key management structures. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, achieving both quantum resistance and internet-scale scalability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal key management framework that can operate with both symmetric and asymmetric cryptography. The system provides multi-functional capabilities including key generation, distribution, rotation, and revocation through standardized interfaces, enabling deployment across diverse internet-scale applications while maintaining quantum resistance.
3Productivity
If DNS-based key distribution is implemented, then internet-scale deployment is enabled, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges symmetric-key infrastructure with the existing DNS protocol to create a unified key distribution system. By combining these two systems, the patent leverages the widespread deployment and simplicity of DNS while incorporating the security benefits of symmetric cryptography, thereby enabling internet-scale deployment without proportionally increasing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service mechanisms where clients automatically discover and obtain symmetric keys through DNS queries without requiring manual configuration or complex key management infrastructure. The system performs key distribution, validation, and rotation automatically, reducing operational complexity while maintaining internet-scale capability.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for provisioning a key server to facilitate secure communications between a web server and a client by providing the client with a first data structure including information on how the web server may obtain a target symmetric key are presented. The techniques can include: provisioning the key server with a second data structure including information on how the key server may generate the first data structure; receiving a request on behalf of a web server for a third data structure comprising information on how the client may obtain the first data structure from the key server; and obtaining the third data structure, such that the third data structure is published in association with an identification of the web server, and such that the client uses the third data structure to obtain the first data structure and uses the first data structure to communicate with the web server.