Implantable Medical Device Secure Communication via Seed-Based Key Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for establishing secure communication between implantable medical devices (IMDs) and external devices are computationally intensive, leading to battery life issues and security concerns due to the need for computationally expensive cryptographic key generation and distribution, making them vulnerable to attacks and unintended programming.
Innovation Solution
The use of random numbers generated from sensed dynamic biometric activity, such as EEG signals, to create a public cryptographic key at the IMD, which is then used for secure communication, reducing computational overhead and enhancing security by generating a unique key for each session.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If computationally intensive cryptographic key generation and distribution methods are used, then security is improved, but battery life deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the computationally intensive cryptographic key generation process from the IMD and relocates it to an external device. The IMD only needs to store a seed value and perform minimal operations, while the external device handles the heavy computational burden of generating cryptographic keys, thus preserving battery life while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-storing a seed value in the IMD during manufacturing or initial setup. This seed value is then used to generate session-specific cryptographic keys during communication sessions, eliminating the need for the IMD to perform complex key generation operations in real-time and reducing its computational burden.
2Reliability
If traditional cryptographic key distribution methods are used, then security protocols are followed, but vulnerability to attacks increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic cryptographic key generation where session-specific keys are created during each communication session based on a pre-stored seed value. This dynamic approach replaces static key distribution methods, making the system more resilient to attacks because each session uses unique keys that cannot be easily predicted or compromised.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a seed value as an intermediary element that enables secure key generation without requiring direct transmission of sensitive cryptographic material. The seed value serves as a compact, secure foundation from which session keys are derived, reducing the attack surface compared to traditional key distribution methods.
3Use of energy by moving object
If computational overhead is reduced in the IMD, then battery life is extended, but key generation capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the heavy key generation computational tasks from the IMD and assigns them to an external device with sufficient processing power. The IMD retains only the essential function of storing a seed value and participating in the key generation process through minimal operations, thus extending battery life while the external device provides the necessary key generation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a simplified copy or representation of the key generation process within the IMD. Instead of implementing the full cryptographic key generation algorithm, the IMD stores a compact seed value that can be used to generate keys externally, effectively copying only the essential seed storage function while delegating the complex generation process.
Data Source
AI summary
Establishing secure communication between an implantable medical device and an external device includes: accessing, at the implantable medical device, biological data; utilizing the biological data, at the implantable medical device, to generate a public cryptographic key; and utilizing the public cryptographic key, at the implantable medical device, to generate a private cryptographic key.