Encryption Daemon Secure Key Retrieval for Storage Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for retrieving encryption keys in storage systems fail to implement secure measures that prevent the compromise of encryption keys during transmission, posing a security threat to data stored in devices like disk cache controllers and tape drives.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system that establishes a secure communications channel between an encryption daemon and an encryption key server, allowing the encryption daemon to receive a key request, send it securely, receive an encrypted response, decrypt it, and deliver the requested key to the storage device, using protocols like TLS to ensure secure key exchange.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If encryption keys are transmitted through current methods, then key retrieval is achieved, but security is compromised during transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an encryption daemon as an intermediary component between the storage device and the encryption key server. This daemon establishes a secure communications channel (using TLS protocol) to retrieve encryption keys, preventing direct exposure of keys during transmission. The intermediary handles the secure key retrieval process while the storage device only receives the actual keys through protected channels.
2Reliability
If a secure communications channel is implemented, then transmission security is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The encryption daemon serves as a dedicated intermediary that encapsulates the complexity of secure communications. By centralizing TLS channel establishment and key management functions in this single component, the patent avoids distributing complex security logic across multiple devices. The daemon handles all secure communications with the encryption key server, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining high security standards.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method according to one embodiment includes receiving at an encryption daemon a key request from a storage device; implementing, by the encryption daemon, a secure communications channel between the encryption daemon and an encryption key server; sending the key request from the encryption daemon to the encryption key server, utilizing the secure communications channel; receiving, from the encryption key server at the encryption daemon, an encrypted response, utilizing the secure communications channel; decrypting, by the encryption daemon, the encrypted response to obtain the requested key, and sending the requested key from the encryption daemon to the storage device.