HSM Private Key Redundancy via Partitioned Cloning for Quantum Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Hardware Security Modules (HSMs) using Hash-Based Signature Schemes face challenges in implementing redundancy for private keys while ensuring that One-Time Signature (OTS) keys are used only once, which is crucial for security against quantum computer attacks.
Innovation Solution
The method involves generating unique partition IDs for each memory partition in HSMs, performing key splits to create primary and secondary keys with specific index ranges, and cloning secondary keys to other HSMs, ensuring that OTS keys are used within allowed index ranges and preventing reuse.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If private keys are distributed across multiple HSMs for redundancy, then reliability is improved, but the risk of OTS key reuse increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the OTS key usage space by introducing partition IDs and index ranges. Each HSM is assigned a specific partition ID and a corresponding index range for OTS keys. This segmentation ensures that even if keys are distributed across multiple HSMs, each HSM can only access and use OTS keys within its designated index range, preventing any single HSM from reusing OTS keys intended for other HSMs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by making each HSM's OTS key access rights specific to its local partition ID and index range. The control mechanism ensures that OTS keys are bound to both a partition ID and an index range, creating localized access control. This means that redundancy is achieved through distribution, but each HSM maintains unique local permissions that prevent harmful key reuse across different partitions.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If OTS keys are bound to specific HSMs for security, then security is improved, but redundancy and failover capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the key management system into multiple partitions, each with its own HSM, partition ID, and index range. This allows OTS keys to be bound to specific HSMs through partition ID and index range associations, ensuring security. At the same time, the segmented structure enables redundancy because multiple HSMs can manage different segments of the OTS key space, providing failover capability if one HSM fails.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimension to OTS key binding by introducing both partition ID and index range as binding parameters, rather than simply binding keys to a single HSM. This dimensional approach allows the system to achieve both security (through binding) and redundancy (through distributed partition management), as the key space is divided across multiple dimensions (partitions and indexes) that can be managed by multiple HSMs.
3Reliability
If key material is backed up for redundancy, then reliability is improved, but the complexity of key management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent simplifies key management complexity by segmenting the backup and redundancy mechanism into automated partition ID and index range assignments. Instead of manually managing complex key backup procedures, the system automatically divides the OTS key space into partitions and assigns index ranges to each HSM. This segmented, automated approach reduces management complexity while maintaining reliability through redundancy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying of partition ID and index range metadata to establish redundancy relationships between HSMs. Rather than implementing complex key backup procedures, the system creates simplified copies of the partition configuration and index range assignments across HSMs. This copying mechanism provides redundancy with minimal management overhead, as the structure is replicated rather than manually managed.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If partition IDs and index ranges are enforced for OTS key control, then security is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent improves ease of operation by making the partition ID and index range control mechanism self-service. The HSMs automatically enforce their own partition ID and index range constraints without requiring external validation or complex manual procedures. The control logic is embedded in the HSMs themselves, allowing them to autonomously prevent OTS key misuse while maintaining simple signing operations. This self-enforcing mechanism reduces operational complexity despite the added security controls.
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a method to improve the redundancy mechanisms associated with private key use and storage currently employed in HSMs that use Hash-Based Signature Schemes to protect against quantum computer attacks. The method includes generating (110) a unique partition ID, generating (120) an original private key (200), performing (130) a key split operation on the original private key (200), cloning (140) the secondary key (220) to a secondary partition, and controlling (150) an allowance and restriction of signing operations on the HSM. Other embodiments are disclosed.