Homomorphic Master Key Management Without Hardware HSMs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hardware security modules (HSMs) for encryption are costly, require high technical knowledge, and have limited expandability, making them impractical for secure key management in modern mobile communication services.
Innovation Solution
A server device utilizing homomorphic encryption technology generates and manages keys without dedicated hardware, using an encrypted security module (ESM) to securely store and process encryption keys, facilitating scalable and cost-effective security services.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a hardware security module (HSM) is used for secure key management, then security is improved, but installation cost and maintenance cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the hardware-based HSM system with a software-based homomorphic encryption system. Instead of using physical security hardware, the invention uses cryptographic algorithms that allow encryption and decryption operations to be performed directly on encrypted data without requiring specialized hardware modules, thereby reducing installation and maintenance costs while maintaining security functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the HSM functionality through homomorphic encryption. The encrypted security module (ESM) replicates the security functions of a physical HSM but in a software environment, allowing key management and encryption operations to be performed without actual hardware security modules, thus reducing costs while preserving security capabilities.
2Reliability
If a hardware security module (HSM) is used for secure key management, then security is improved, but technical knowledge requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex hardware security module operations with simplified homomorphic encryption operations. The encrypted security module provides high-level cryptographic functions that can be accessed through standard programming interfaces, eliminating the need for specialized technical knowledge to operate HSM hardware while maintaining strong security through mathematical cryptographic principles.
3Reliability
If a hardware security module (HSM) is used for secure key management, then security is improved, but expandability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal encrypted security module that can perform multiple security functions through homomorphic encryption. The ESM can encrypt, decrypt, and process data for various applications (financial services, cloud services, etc.) using the same cryptographic framework, providing extensive expandability and adaptability without the hardware constraints of traditional HSMs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a dynamic security system where the homomorphic encryption parameters and cryptographic operations can be flexibly adjusted for different applications and security requirements. Unlike fixed hardware HSM configurations, the homomorphic encryption system can dynamically adapt to various encryption schemes, key lengths, and processing requirements, enabling seamless expansion and customization.
Data Source
AI summary
A server device is provided. The server device includes an interface configured to communicate with an application device in which an application that uses plaintext data is installed, a memory, and a processor, wherein the processor is configured to generate a homomorphic encrypted master key corresponding to the application device and index information for the master key, store the homomorphic encrypted master key and the index information in the memory, and provide the index information to the application device through the interface. Accordingly, various data processing may be performed, while security is maintained without dedicated hardware.