Encrypted Identifier Authentication for Unauthorized Hardware Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Original equipment manufacturers and original device manufacturers face challenges in ensuring that software and binary code are operable only on approved hardware devices, preventing unauthorized use by encrypting keys for System-on-a-Chip (SoC) devices.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the acquisition and generation of an encrypted identifier for an electrical circuit, using a computing device external to the circuit, based on an electrical circuit identifier and an encryption block, which is then stored in a programmable identifier unit, ensuring that only genuine encrypted identifiers are used for authentication and authorization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If software and binary code are made operable only on approved hardware devices through encryption, then security and authorization control are improved, but device complexity and authentication overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-programming a unique electrical circuit identifier into the programmable identifier unit during manufacturing. This identifier is prepared in advance and used later for authentication, eliminating the need for complex real-time key generation and reducing authentication overhead while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by creating an encrypted copy of the electrical circuit identifier and storing it in the programmable identifier unit. This encrypted copy serves as a authentication token that verifies device legitimacy without requiring the original unencrypted identifier, thus maintaining security while simplifying the authentication process.
2Reliability
If encrypted identifiers are generated and stored in programmable identifier units, then unauthorized use is prevented, but manufacturing processes become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The manufacturing process incorporates preliminary action by programming the unique electrical circuit identifier into the programmable identifier unit during device fabrication. This one-time programming step establishes the device's cryptographic identity early in the manufacturing process, simplifying subsequent authentication operations and avoiding the need for complex post-manufacturing key distribution systems.
Data Source
AI summary
Some of the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method comprising acquiring an electrical circuit identifier for an electrical circuit, wherein the electrical circuit identifier is stored in a programmable identifier unit of the electrical circuit; generating, by a computing device external to the electrical circuit, an encrypted identifier that is unique for an electrical device that includes the electrical circuit, wherein the encrypted identifier is based upon the electrical circuit identifier and an encryption block; and storing the encrypted identifier in the programmable identifier unit. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.