Hardware Module for Secure Password Entry and Quantum-Resistant Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices are vulnerable to software security breaches due to complex software stacks and the lack of complete knowledge by device manufacturers about the software running on these devices, making it difficult to fully secure them.
Innovation Solution
A password security hardware module that connects to an insecure electronic device to address software security vulnerabilities by securely entering access codes, establishing secure connections, and implementing two-factor authentication using a secure microprocessor and cryptographic protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a hardware security module is introduced to secure password entry, then security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two distinct components: a secure hardware module (security processor) and an insecure device (client device). The security processor handles all sensitive cryptographic operations and password verification, while the client device only manages user interface and communication. This segmentation allows the insecure device to remain simple while achieving high security through the dedicated hardware module.
Solution Approach 2:
The security processor acts as an intermediary between the client device and the authentication system. It receives authentication requests from the client device, performs secure password verification using hardware-based cryptographic operations, and returns authentication results. This intermediary approach allows password verification to occur in a secure environment without requiring the client device itself to be secure.
2Ease of operation
If software-based security measures are used, then ease of operation is maintained, but security is compromised due to potential software vulnerabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces software-based security mechanisms with hardware-based security mechanisms. Instead of relying on software cryptographic libraries that may contain vulnerabilities, the system uses a dedicated security processor with hardware-implemented cryptographic functions. This substitution maintains ease of operation (the client device remains simple to use) while significantly improving security through hardware-based protection.
3Adaptability or versatility
If current cryptographic algorithms are used, then compatibility is maintained, but future security is compromised by quantum computing threats
Solution Approach 1:
The security processor is designed with dynamic cryptographic capabilities that can adapt to different cryptographic algorithms and key lengths. The hardware module can implement both current cryptographic standards (for compatibility) and post-quantum cryptographic algorithms (for future security). This dynamic approach allows the system to maintain compatibility with existing systems while being prepared for quantum computing threats by updating cryptographic implementations as needed.
Data Source
AI summary
Establish a secure connection from a device to a server by, at the device: sending a shared secret request (SSRq) and an obfuscated secret value of the device to the server, wherein the SSRq is encrypted by a symmetric rolling key known to the device and to a trusted authority but not known to the server and the SSRq incorporates a symmetric key for decrypting the device's obfuscated secret value; receiving a shared secret response (SSRs) and an obfuscated secret value of the server, wherein the device's symmetric rolling key encrypts the SSRs and the SSRs incorporates a symmetric server obfuscation key for decrypting the server's obfuscated secret value; calculating a shared secret by hashing a concatenation of the device's secret value and the server's secret value; generating a symmetric session key based on the shared secret; and establishing the secure connection using the symmetric session key.