Self-Authenticating Encryption Bridge for Mass Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mass storage devices lack efficient encryption solutions, leading to high system resource consumption and increased costs, as they require either expensive self-encrypting drives or encryption software, and existing solutions fail to effectively distribute the encryption burden from the computer to the storage device.
Innovation Solution
A self-authenticating encryption bridge system that authenticates users and controls encryption between a computer system and a mass storage device, using a user input module and encryption control module to manage encryption keys, allowing secure data transfer by shifting the encryption burden from the computer to the storage device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If encryption is provided by the computer for mass storage devices, then data security is improved, but system resource consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The encryption function is segmented from the computer system and assigned to a dedicated encryption bridge device. This separates the encryption workload from the host computer, allowing the computer to focus on data processing while the encryption bridge handles security operations independently.
Solution Approach 2:
An encryption bridge is introduced as an intermediary device between the computer and mass storage device. This mediator handles all encryption and decryption operations, freeing the computer from direct involvement in cryptographic processing while maintaining secure data transmission.
2Productivity
If self-encrypting drives are used, then encryption burden on computer is reduced, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The encryption bridge is designed as a universal device that can work with multiple mass storage devices simultaneously. Rather than requiring each storage device to have built-in encryption capabilities, a single encryption bridge can secure multiple drives, reducing per-device costs while maintaining encryption functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of embedding expensive encryption hardware in each mass storage device, the encryption functionality is copied to a separate, shared encryption bridge that multiple storage devices can access. This approach achieves the same security level at lower overall system cost.
3Reliability
If encryption software is purchased for the computer, then data security is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The encryption bridge serves as a hardware intermediary that handles all cryptographic operations, eliminating the need for complex encryption software on the computer. The hardware bridge manages key storage, encryption/decryption operations, and authentication, simplifying the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The encryption bridge is designed to be self-sufficient, containing all necessary encryption components, key management systems, and authentication mechanisms within the device itself. This self-contained design eliminates dependencies on external software and reduces system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operation of an encryption bridge system that includes: verifying an authentication parameter using a self-authenticating encryption bridge; and controlling encryption for using the self-authenticating encryption bridge disposed between a computer system and a storage system in response to the verification including determining whether data is received from the computer system or received from the storage system.