Homomorphic Key Derivation in Remote Crypto Clusters
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing key management systems in computer applications lack robust security measures, particularly in multitenant architectures, where a breach of one key server can compromise multiple keys, and sensitive information may be exposed to attackers.
Innovation Solution
A distributed homomorphic key derivation system involving a remote crypto cluster, virtual key manager, project key server, and client, where keys are derived in a blinded manner, ensuring only the client has clear access to the derived key, using a process that includes generating project-wide and client-specific keys, blinding values, and homomorphic operations to maintain security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a centralized key management system is used, then key distribution is simplified, but security is compromised because a breach of one key server can expose multiple keys
Solution Approach 1:
The key management system is segmented into multiple independent key servers (first key server, second key server, etc.) where each server stores only a portion of the master key. This segmentation prevents a single point of failure - if one key server is breached, attackers can only obtain that server's specific key portion, not the complete master key. The system maintains simplified key distribution through this distributed architecture while improving security through the segmented key storage model.
2Productivity
If keys are stored in clear text for easy access, then operational efficiency is improved, but security is compromised as attackers can directly access sensitive information
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the state parameter of key storage from clear text to encrypted form. Each key server encrypts its stored key portion using encryption algorithms, transforming the keys into an unreadable state for unauthorized access. This parameter change ensures that even if attackers breach a key server, they cannot directly access or use the encrypted key portions without the corresponding decryption credentials, which are held only by the client device.
3Reliability
If multiple key servers are deployed for security, then security is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The client device is designed with multi-functionality to manage the distributed key system. It performs multiple roles: generating master keys, splitting them into portions, encrypting key portions, managing decryption credentials, and coordinating with multiple key servers. This universal client design simplifies the overall system architecture by consolidating complex management functions in a single component, allowing multiple key servers to be deployed for security without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A processor of a remote crypto cluster (RCC) may receive a public key from a client device through at least one network. The processor of the RCC may obtain an encrypted specific key and a blinded project key from at least one data source through the at least one network. The processor of the RCC may derive a derived key in blind based on the encrypted specific key and the blinded project key. The processor of the RCC may send the derived key in blind to the client device.