Dynamic Identity Generation for Secure Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing secure identity devices require time-consuming and costly procedures for unique network address assignment and multiple identity programming, which is inefficient and vulnerable to unauthorized access, especially when physical interfaces are not used or identities are not known at the time of manufacture.
Innovation Solution
A multiple-identity secure device with a persistently-stored seed identity and a transformation engine that dynamically generates unique identities using predefined logic, allowing for real-time identity generation and support of multiple identities without the need for physical interfaces or pre-known identities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If unique network addresses are assigned during manufacture or field programming, then device identity is established, but the process is time-consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
A seed identity is pre-stored in secure memory during manufacture, serving as the foundation for generating multiple unique identities. This preliminary action eliminates the need for time-consuming field programming of complete identities, as the seed identity can be rapidly transformed into any required unique identity on-demand.
Solution Approach 2:
The device includes a transformation engine that automatically generates unique identities from the seed identity without requiring external programming equipment or manual intervention. This self-service capability allows the device to autonomously establish its identity as needed, eliminating dependency on costly field programming operations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple identities are programmed into the device, then multiple identities are supported, but device complexity and memory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of storing multiple complete identities in memory, the system stores a single seed identity that serves as a template. The transformation engine generates copies of unique identities from this seed when needed, following predefined logic. This approach supports multiple identities while minimizing memory requirements and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The seed identity serves multiple functions: it acts as a unique device identifier, a cryptographic key, and a template for generating multiple operational identities. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate storage of multiple identities, reducing device complexity while maintaining adaptability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If physical interfaces are used for identity card exchange, then identity changes are enabled, but security vulnerabilities increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces physical identity card interfaces with a software-based transformation engine that generates identities from the seed identity stored in secure memory. This substitution eliminates mechanical interfaces that are vulnerable to physical tampering, unauthorized card swapping, and cloning attacks, while maintaining the ability to exchange identities through secure software operations.
4Ease of manufacture
If identities are assigned at manufacture, then deployment is simplified, but flexibility for unknown identities is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static identity assignment to dynamic identity generation. The seed identity remains constant and is stored during manufacture, but the transformation engine can generate any number of unique identities from it based on predefined logic. This dynamic approach maintains ease of manufacture while providing flexibility to adapt to different deployment scenarios and unknown identity requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A multiple-identity secure device (MISD) persistently may store an identification code. The identification code may be stored in an integral memory of the device, or on an interchangeable card received in a physical interface of the MISD. The MISD may generate one or more unique identities (e.g., network addresses) from the stored identification code. The generated identities may be dynamically generated or may be securely stored in the MISD for subsequent retrieval. The generated identities may generate in accordance with an addressing scheme, a global/network setting, or as determined from a received data transmission.