Dynamic Encryption Key Management for Configuration Files
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for protecting configuration files used by solution manager diagnostics agents lack flexibility and do not provide varying levels of security based on user requirements, as they rely on static encryption keys that are not regularly updated.
Innovation Solution
A server-based system that generates and re-generates encryption keys for configuration files each time a connection is made, changes the encryption algorithm and key size periodically, and deletes the encryption key after transmission, ensuring that configuration files, including sensitive information like passwords, are securely encrypted and protected from unauthorized access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If static encryption keys are used for configuration files, then ease of operation is improved, but security is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The encryption key is transformed from a static value to a dynamic one that changes with each connection. The server generates a new encryption key every time an agent connects, and the key is bound to the lifetime of the connection process. This dynamic approach ensures that even if one key is compromised, it cannot be used to decrypt configuration files from other connections, thereby improving security while maintaining operational simplicity through automated key management.
Solution Approach 2:
The encryption key's validity period is changed from indefinite (static) to temporary (bound to connection lifetime). The server automatically manages the key's creation, transmission, and deletion based on connection events. This parameter change ensures that the encryption key exists only for the duration of the connection, preventing long-term security vulnerabilities while requiring no manual intervention from operators.
2Reliability
If encryption keys are regularly updated, then security is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The server automatically performs all encryption key management tasks including generation, transmission, and deletion without requiring manual intervention. The system self-manages the complexity of regular key updates by integrating the key generation process into the connection handling routine. This self-service approach allows frequent key updates to occur transparently, improving security while avoiding the operational complexity that would result from manual key management processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The encryption key is generated and transmitted to the agent as a preliminary action before the agent can access the configuration files. The server prepares the security credentials in advance as part of the connection establishment process, ensuring that key management is handled proactively rather than reactively. This preliminary action embeds the complexity of key management into the existing connection workflow, avoiding additional operational steps.
3Ease of operation
If encryption keys are stored on the file system, then ease of operation is improved, but security is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The encryption key is extracted from persistent storage (file system) and exists only in memory during the connection lifetime. The server generates the key in memory, transmits it to the agent, and automatically deletes it from memory when the connection ends. This extraction from persistent storage eliminates the security risk of key files being accessed by unauthorized users while maintaining ease of operation through automated in-memory management that requires no manual file handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The encryption key is treated as a disposable, short-lived object that exists only for the duration of the connection. Rather than being stored persistently on the file system, the key is created, used, and deleted within the connection lifecycle. This disposable approach minimizes the security risk window while maintaining operational simplicity, as the key's temporary nature automatically limits exposure without requiring complex access control mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
The embodiments include a method for providing security for a set of configuration files corresponding to a remote monitoring application. The method may include accessing a server configured to store the set of configuration files. The server is also configured to receive a connection request, over a network, from an agent having the remote monitoring application, generate an encryption key in response to receiving the connection request, transmit the encryption key, over the network, to the agent, encrypt the set of configuration files according to an encryption algorithm and the encryption key, and transmit the encrypted set of configuration files to the agent. According to one embodiment, the server may be accessed by performing one or more maintenance actions on the server.