HSM Key Exchange Mediator for Cross-Provider Interoperability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cloud-based Hardware Security Module (HSM) solutions lack interoperability, making it difficult for users to migrate cryptographic keys between HSMs from different service providers, even within the same region or across different cloud environments.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a cloud infrastructure-agnostic key exchange management device combined with true quantum random number generation enables efficient and secure communication and key sharing among groups of HSMs, regardless of their location or the service provider hosting them.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If different service providers implement cloud-based HSM solutions with different key management protocols, then each provider can optimize for their specific infrastructure, but interoperability between HSMs from different providers deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveinteroperabilityVSAvoidkey management protocol complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a key exchange management device that acts as an intermediary between HSMs from different service providers. This device facilitates key exchange by receiving cryptographic material from one HSM, processing it through standardized protocols, and delivering it to another HSM, thereby enabling interoperability without requiring the HSMs to directly implement compatible protocols.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The key exchange management device is designed to support multiple key management protocols and communicate with HSMs from various service providers simultaneously. It provides universal functionality by accepting different input formats and generating compatible output formats, allowing a single device to serve multiple interoperability needs across different cloud environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If HSMs are regionalized by service providers, then local security and compliance requirements can be met, but the ability to use the same cryptographic keys across different regions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesecurityVSAvoidkey portability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The key exchange management device serves as a mediator that operates across regional boundaries while maintaining security. It receives keys from HSMs in one region, validates them against security requirements, and facilitates their deployment to HSMs in other regions, thereby enabling key portability without compromising regional security standards.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts key management parameters such as encryption methods, validation rules, and transmission protocols based on the specific regional requirements of different service providers. This allows the same key exchange mechanism to adapt to varying security and compliance parameters across different regions while maintaining overall interoperability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If traditional key exchange protocols are used between HSMs in different cloud environments, then existing infrastructure can be leveraged, but migration efficiency and security deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvekey migration efficiencyVSAvoidcommunication security

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The key exchange management device accelerates key migration by acting as an optimized intermediary that handles the entire key exchange process securely. It receives keys from source HSMs, applies enhanced security validation and transformation, and delivers them to destination HSMs, thereby improving migration efficiency while maintaining or enhancing communication security compared to direct traditional protocols.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution facilitates seamless key migration and secure communication between HSMs from different service providers and cloud environments, reducing operational complexity and enhancing security by leveraging quantum randomness and interoperable key management protocols.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectQuantum random number generation:

Data Source

PatentUS12328389B2Systems and methods for hardware security module communication management

Publication Date: 2025.06.10 WELLS FARGO BANK NA

AI summary

Systems, apparatuses, methods, and computer program products are disclosed for hardware security module communication management. An example method includes deriving, by a first HSM, a first cryptographic key based on an initial key and a first set of seed bits. The method also includes receiving a message comprising a second cryptographic key from a key exchange management device, wherein the second cryptographic key is associated with a second HSM. The method also includes deriving, a third cryptographic key based on the first cryptographic key and the second cryptographic key, wherein deriving the third cryptographic key establishes secure communication between the first HSM and the second HSM based on the second HSM having also derived the third cryptographic key. The method also includes performing, a first cryptographic data protection action using the third cryptographic key.