Edge Cluster mTLS Onboarding for Zero-Touch Secure Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for managing and securing communications between edge computing sites and cluster management systems rely on token-based authentication, which is insufficient for zero-trust security requirements and requires manual intervention, especially in distributed and diverse network environments.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a mutual authentication protocol (mTLS) with asymmetric keys, managed by Trusted Platform Modules (TPMs), and utilizing zero-touch provisioning techniques to establish secure connections between edge clusters and a cluster management system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If token-based authentication is used for managing communications between edge computing sites and cluster management systems, then the system can be operated with simpler authentication mechanisms, but the security level is insufficient for zero-trust requirements and manual intervention is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-provisioning asymmetric key pairs (private and public keys) in the Trusted Platform Modules (TPMs) of edge computing devices during manufacturing or initial setup. This preliminary cryptographic configuration enables automatic mutual authentication without manual token management, resolving the contradiction by establishing security infrastructure in advance that eliminates ongoing manual intervention while maintaining high security standards
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies self-service through automated certificate issuance and registration processes. The cluster management system automatically detects edge devices, verifies their cryptographic identities via mTLS handshakes, issues digital certificates without human intervention, and registers them in the cluster. This automated self-service mechanism eliminates manual authentication operations while maintaining zero-trust security requirements
2Reliability
If manual intervention is used for device onboarding and management, then security can be controlled more directly, but the complexity of management increases especially in distributed environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary automated certificate management system that mediates between edge devices and the cluster management system. This intermediary automatically handles certificate issuance, validation, and registration based on cryptographic proofs from devices. The intermediary maintains security control through automated verification of cryptographic identities while eliminating manual management complexity, especially in distributed edge environments with numerous devices
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the authentication parameter from manual tokens to automated cryptographic certificates. By changing the authentication mechanism from token-based (requiring manual distribution and management) to certificate-based (automatically issued and validated through mTLS), the system maintains strict security control while dramatically reducing management complexity. The cryptographic parameters (public keys, certificates) are automatically generated and managed without human intervention
3Reliability
If asymmetric keys and mutual authentication protocol are implemented, then secure two-way communication is achieved, but the device complexity and provisioning process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring asymmetric key pairs in the TPMs of edge devices before deployment. The private keys are securely generated and stored in hardware, while public keys are extracted for certificate issuance. This preliminary cryptographic setup simplifies the provisioning process by eliminating the need for complex key management during deployment, while ensuring secure two-way communication through mTLS authentication
Solution Approach 2:
The implementation uses self-service mechanisms where edge devices automatically perform mTLS handshakes with the cluster management system using their pre-configured cryptographic credentials. The devices self-attest their security state through TPM measurements, and the management system automatically issues certificates without human intervention. This automated self-service approach maintains secure communication while reducing provisioning complexity from manual key exchange to automated cryptographic verification
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus comprises at least one processing device configured to establish a first secure communication channel between at least one edge computing site and a management system, and to send a certificate signing request over the first secure communication channel from the at least one edge computing site to the management system. The processing device is further configured to receive, over the first secure communication channel from the management system in response to the certificate signing request, a digitally signed certificate for the at least one edge computing site and a certificate authority certificate. The processing device is still further configured to establish a second secure communication channel between the at least one edge computing site and the management system. The second secure communication channel utilizes a mutual authentication protocol. The certificate authority certificate and the digitally signed certificate are used to establish the second secure communication channel.