Encryption Key Lifecycle Management via Automated Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional encryption management in Information Handling Systems (IHSs) is typically handled on an ad hoc basis, lacking automated processes for key rotation and lifecycle management, which can lead to security vulnerabilities and compliance issues.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method that enforces key rotation policies by automatically requesting and managing new encryption keys, un-encrypting and re-encrypting data, and discarding old keys, with operations performed as background tasks to maintain data security and compliance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional ad hoc encryption management is used, then users have flexibility in encrypting files and folders, but security vulnerabilities and compliance issues arise due to lack of automated key rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service automation where the encryption management system automatically monitors cryptoperiods, requests new keys from key providers, and performs re-encryption operations without requiring user intervention. This resolves the contradiction by providing both high security through automated key rotation and maintaining user flexibility through background operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by proactively monitoring cryptoperiod expiration dates and initiating key rotation processes before the current keys expire. This ensures continuous security compliance by preparing new keys and scheduling re-encryption operations in advance, preventing security vulnerabilities from expired keys.
2Reliability
If automated key rotation is implemented, then security and compliance are improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary key management component that acts as a mediator between the encryption operations and the key provider. This intermediary handles the complexity of key rotation logistics, cryptoperiod monitoring, and coordination with external key providers, thereby improving compliance while managing system complexity through centralized abstraction.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring cryptoperiod status and automatically triggering key rotation processes when expiration approaches. This feedback loop ensures compliance without manual intervention, and the automated nature reduces operational complexity despite the sophisticated key management processes.
3Ease of operation
If manual key management is used, then system operations are simpler, but security breaches become more likely due to outdated encryption keys
Solution Approach 1:
The encryption management system performs self-service by automatically executing key rotation operations without user intervention. Users simply continue their normal operations while the background system monitors and manages key lifecycles, maintaining operational simplicity while eliminating security breaches from outdated keys through automated enforcement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic action by automatically executing key rotation at predetermined intervals based on cryptoperiod policies. This periodic enforcement ensures security compliance without requiring users to manually track or manage key expiration dates, maintaining operational simplicity while preventing security breaches.
4Reliability
If frequent key rotation is performed, then security is enhanced, but productivity decreases due to re-encryption operations
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial action by performing re-encryption operations selectively rather than on all data simultaneously. It processes data in manageable portions and schedules operations to minimize impact on productivity, while still achieving the security goal of frequent key rotation through controlled, incremental re-encryption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamics by adaptively adjusting key rotation timing and re-encryption scheduling based on system conditions and data access patterns. This dynamic approach allows frequent key rotation to enhance security while minimizing productivity impact by performing operations during low-activity periods and prioritizing critical data.
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, a method may include: enforcing a key rotation policy associated with a current encryption key being used to encrypt and decrypt data stored in an IHS; monitoring a cryptoperiod associated with the current encryption key; in response to a determination that the current encryption key has reached the end of the cryptoperiod, automatically transmitting a request to a key provider for a new encryption key; and in response to the request, automatically: receiving the new encryption key, marking the current encryption key as old, un-encrypting the data using the old encryption key, re-encrypting the data using the new encryption key, and, in response to a determination that all of the data has been re-encrypted with the new encryption key, transmitting a request to the key provider that the old encryption key be discarded, and deleting a local copy of the old encryption key.