HSM-Wrapped Key Backup for Distributed Data Signing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing code signing paradigms for remote data distribution to fielded devices are labor-intensive and vulnerable to unauthorized access, requiring multiple key ceremonies and secure hardware security modules (HSMs) for key management, which complicates backup and distribution across different environments.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for generating and managing cryptographic keys in a hardware security module (HSM) that encrypts keys for backup and distribution, allowing secure key management and automated cryptographic operations through a data signing system (ODSS) with user authentication and hierarchical access control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple HSMs are used in different environments for key management, then key security and distribution capability are improved, but key backup and restoration become labor-intensive and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a key backup service as an intermediary component that mediates between multiple HSMs and the key management system. This service automatically handles key backup, restoration, and propagation across different HSMs in development, QA, and production environments, eliminating the need for manual key ceremonies and reducing operational complexity while maintaining security.
2Reliability
If manual key ceremonies are performed for each HSM, then key security is maintained, but time consumption and labor intensity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by automatically backing up keys from the production HSM to a secure repository before they are needed in other environments. The key backup service pre-configures and stores cryptographic keys, so when new HSMs need to be activated in development or QA environments, the keys are already available and can be automatically restored, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual key ceremonies.
3Reliability
If keys are stored in secure HSMs with multi-person integrity, then key security is improved, but operational efficiency and automation are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the key backup service to automatically perform key backup, restoration, and propagation operations without requiring manual intervention. The system autonomously manages the cryptographic keys across multiple HSMs, automatically retrieving keys from secure storage and distributing them to appropriate environments, thereby maintaining security while significantly increasing automation and operational efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for providing a providing security credential is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises accepting a request to generate at least one key in an online data signing system; generating, in a hardware security module communicatively coupled to the online data signing system, a first key K1 as a temporary object; encrypting, by the hardware security module, the first key K1 according to a wrapping key Kw to produce an encrypted first key EKw[K1]; storing the encrypted first key; and providing a second key K2 associated with the first key K1 to a user device communicatively coupled to the online data signing system.