Hardware Cipher-Key Selection for Secure Known-User Communications
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cybersecurity solutions, primarily software-based, are inadequate in providing consistent and wide-ranging protection against hacking, as they can be easily breached and require frequent updates to counter evolving hacking techniques.
Innovation Solution
A combination of hardware-based memory modules with separate lists of cipher keys and cipher key-selection techniques, implemented partially or wholly in hardware, is used to create unpredictable cipher keys for secure encrypted communications between known devices, preventing reverse engineering and reducing the need for frequent software updates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If software-based encryption solutions are used, then ease of implementation is improved, but security reliability deteriorates due to frequent breaches and the need for updates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces software-based encryption mechanisms with hardware-based implementations. Specifically, it uses dedicated hardware encryption units and hardware-based key management systems that are physically embedded in secure devices. This substitution eliminates the vulnerabilities of software-based systems (viruses, malware, software bugs) while maintaining ease of use through automated hardware-level operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The hardware-based encryption system performs self-service by automatically managing encryption keys and performing encryption/decryption operations without requiring user intervention or software updates. The hardware security module autonomously handles key generation, storage, and rotation, eliminating the need for manual security maintenance while ensuring continuous reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If software updates are implemented frequently, then adaptability to new hacking techniques is improved, but device complexity and maintenance requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-configuring hardware encryption parameters and key management structures during device manufacturing. The hardware security module is pre-programmed with encryption algorithms and key management protocols that remain fixed and cannot be modified by software updates, eliminating future maintenance requirements while maintaining security adaptability through hardware-level design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of encryption implementation from software (which requires updates) to hardware (which provides stability). By embedding encryption capabilities directly in hardware circuits and using physical security modules, the system achieves adaptability through hardware design rather than software patches, significantly reducing maintenance complexity.
3Reliability
If hardware-based cipher key selection is used, then security reliability is improved through unpredictable keys, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the encryption functionality into separate dedicated hardware modules. Specifically, it divides the system into: (1) hardware key generation units that create unpredictable keys, (2) hardware selection circuits that choose appropriate keys from multiple options, and (3) separate encryption/decryption units. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while managing overall complexity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces hardware-based intermediary components between the data processing units and the encryption operations. Specifically, it uses hardware key management intermediaries that act as secure bridges, managing the distribution and selection of encryption keys without exposing sensitive operations to the main processor. This intermediary layer enhances security while containing complexity in dedicated modules rather than throughout the entire system.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are disclosed for transmitting encrypted information that is computationally secure, wherein the probability is exceedingly low that such transmitted information may be deciphered is a reasonable time period or with typical computer processing power. The advantageous combination of (1) memory modules containing separate lists of cipher keys useable for creating secure encrypted communications between known and approved secure devices, and (2) a cipher key-selection and corresponding code generation techniques implemented, partially or wholly, in hardware advantageously makes for an extremely computationally secure systems and methods of communication that is relatively low-cost. Such combination facilitates implementation of cipher keys that are unpredictable or nearly unpredictable because even if a hacker somehow knows what cipher keys were used in prior communication sessions, such hacker could not predict what cipher keys will be used in future communication sessions based on such known cipher keys.