EMP-Hardened Data Infrastructure via Geographic Dispersal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems are vulnerable to electromagnetic pulse (EMP) attacks, which can disrupt digital equipment and communications, and existing solutions require complete metal encasement with no metal components, while fiber optic communication systems are not directly affected but their conversion and relay circuits are, and there is a need for secure data storage and transfer to prevent data loss and theft.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for EMP-hardened information infrastructure that uses cloud computing and storage to selectively extract and securely store sensitive data, dispersing it to distant locations, employing content analysis and classification to ensure secure data handling, storage, and transfer, and implementing granular content command and control to manage and secure data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If digital systems are completely encased in metal cages to protect against EMP attacks, then EMP resistance is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to complete isolation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides data into multiple segments and stores them across geographically distributed data centers. This segmentation allows the system to achieve EMP hardening without requiring complete metal encasement of entire systems, as only critical data segments need protection and they can be distributed across multiple locations rather than contained in a single enclosed structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from spatial protection (metal encasement in three-dimensional space) to geographic distribution (dispersal across multiple locations). By moving data protection into the dimensional domain of geographic distribution rather than physical encasement, the system achieves EMP resistance without the complexity of complete metal cage structures.
2Reliability
If complete metal encasement is used to block EMP pulses, then EMP protection is improved, but ease of operation worsens due to inability to pass metal power lines or electrical circuits through the shield
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses fiber optic communication as an intermediary medium to transmit data between distributed data centers. Fiber optics allow data transmission without requiring metal electrical circuits or power lines to pass through EMP shields, thus maintaining ease of operation while preserving EMP protection. The fiber optic medium acts as a non-metallic bridge that connects isolated systems without compromising their electromagnetic isolation.
3Ease of operation
If data is stored in centralized locations for easy access, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to vulnerability to EMP attacks on single locations
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments data storage across multiple geographically distributed data centers rather than concentrating all data in a single location. This segmentation ensures that an EMP attack on one location cannot destroy the entire data set, while the system maintains ease of operation by implementing automated data management and retrieval protocols that work across the distributed architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by allowing different data centers to have different security and access characteristics tailored to their specific roles and locations. Each data center can be optimized for its specific function while contributing to the overall system's reliability. This local customization enables the system to maintain operational ease while achieving robust EMP resistance through geographic distribution.
4Reliability
If fiber optic communication is used to avoid EMP disruption, then communication reliability is improved, but device complexity worsens due to disrupted conversion and relay circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts and removes metal components from the communication path by using fiber optic technology throughout the distributed data center network. This extraction eliminates the need for metal conversion and relay circuits that would be vulnerable to EMP attacks. The fiber optic infrastructure carries data signals without requiring metal electrical components, thus improving communication reliability while reducing device complexity associated with EMP protection of conversion circuits.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system processes data in a distributed computing system to survive an electromagnetic pulse (EMP) attack. The computing system has proximal select content (SC) data stores and geographically distributed distal data stores, all with respective access controls. The data input or put through the computing system is processed to obtain the SC and other associated content. The process then extracts and stores such content in the proximal SC data stores and geographically distributed distal SC data stores. The system further processes data to geographically distribute the data with data processes including: copy, extract, archive, distribute, and a copy-extract-archive and distribute process with a sequential and supplemental data destruction process. In this manner, the data input is distributed or spread out over the geographically distributed distal SC data stores. The system and method permits reconstruction of the processed data only in the presence of a respective access control.