Hardware Manifest Integrity Tracking via Digital Signatures
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Solution Overview
Problem
It is challenging to determine whether a computing system or information handling device has been modified or is in its original state without close inspection, as existing methods lack effective tracking and protection mechanisms for hardware changes.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method for storing a hardware manifest, including a processor and memory that manages and protects the manifest by using unique signatures, encryption, and a read-only format, which tracks and logs modifications to hardware components, ensuring the manifest is secure and up-to-date.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If hardware components are replaced or repaired, then device functionality is maintained or improved, but device integrity and authenticity are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a hardware manifest recording the original hardware configuration before any modifications occur. This preliminary record serves as a baseline for future comparisons, allowing the system to detect when hardware components have been replaced or altered, thus maintaining device integrity awareness while permitting functional modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors hardware configuration changes by comparing current hardware states against the stored manifest. When modifications are detected, the system can trigger alerts, deny access, or log the changes, providing feedback mechanisms that maintain device integrity while allowing controlled functionality improvements.
2Reliability
If hardware modifications are tracked, then device integrity is maintained, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a digital copy (manifest) of the hardware configuration that can be stored and compared without requiring complex real-time monitoring hardware. This copy-based approach simplifies the tracking mechanism while maintaining integrity verification capabilities through periodic or event-triggered comparisons.
Solution Approach 2:
The hardware manifest serves multiple functions: it records original configuration, enables change detection, provides audit trails, and can trigger security responses. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems for each purpose, thereby managing complexity while maintaining comprehensive integrity tracking.
3Reliability
If hardware manifest is protected from modification, then security is enhanced, but accessibility for legitimate updates is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different protection levels to different portions of the hardware manifest or different access paths. Critical integrity data may be stored in read-only memory or protected by cryptographic signatures, while other portions may allow controlled updates through authenticated processes, enabling both security and legitimate maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary authentication mechanism that mediates between the protected manifest and modification requests. This intermediary verifies the legitimacy of update operations, allowing controlled accessibility for authorized maintenance while maintaining security against unauthorized modifications.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus, methods, and program products are disclosed for storing a hardware manifest. One apparatus includes a processor and a memory that stores code executable by the processor. The code is executable by the processor to store a hardware manifest for an information handling device. The code is further executable by the processor to manage modification of the hardware manifest. Methods and computer program products that perform the functions of the apparatus are also disclosed.