Internal Private Key Generation for Secure Wireless Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing authentication systems for small, low-power wireless devices are vulnerable to key leakage and unauthorized access due to external storage of private keys, which can compromise the security of these devices.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a secure authentication method where each device generates and stores its own private key internally, using a random number generator and a hash engine to create identifying values that can be verified without revealing the private key, thus preventing external access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If private keys are stored externally in a database or removable medium, then authentication can be performed, but security is compromised because third parties can access the keys and gain unauthorized access to devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the private key storage function from external databases or removable media and relocates it entirely within the device's internal memory. The key generation and storage process is separated from external systems, ensuring that private keys never leave the device boundaries. This extraction eliminates the vulnerability of external key storage while maintaining authentication functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a cryptographic hash function as an intermediary mechanism between the private key and the authentication process. Instead of transmitting or storing the actual private key externally, the system uses hash functions to transform the private key into identifying values that can be verified without revealing the original key. This intermediary layer protects the private key from exposure while enabling authentication.
2Productivity
If private keys are embedded during manufacture by third-party manufacturers, then device production is efficient, but security is compromised because keying material may not be fully utilized and illegitimate devices can be created
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service key generation where each device autonomously generates its own private key using an on-board random number generator during initialization, rather than relying on third-party manufacturers to embed keys. The device itself performs the key generation and storage process, ensuring that the keying material is exclusively tied to that specific device and cannot be replicated or transferred to illegitimate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs key generation as a preliminary action during device initialization or first power-up, before the device enters service. The random number generator creates the private key and stores it in internal memory during this initial setup phase, ensuring the key is established before any authentication operations begin. This preliminary key establishment prevents later key injection or manipulation.
3Ease of operation
If external data stores are used to store private keys, then key management is simplified, but security is compromised because compromising the data store compromises all devices using those keys
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the key storage function from centralized external databases and distributes it to individual device memory. Each device maintains its own private key in isolated internal storage, creating independent security segments. If one device's key is compromised, other devices remain unaffected because their keys are stored separately and never centralized. This segmentation eliminates the single point of failure inherent in external key databases.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the key storage function from external data stores and relocates it to internal device memory. The private key is taken out of the external database environment and embedded within the device's secure memory space, eliminating the vulnerability of external data store compromise while maintaining key management functionality at the device level.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device generates identifying values which are used in authenticating the electronic device. The device comprises an interface, a private key generator for generating a private key, a non-volatile memory for storing at least the private key, an index source, a hash engine, and a logical interconnection between the private key generator, the non-volatile memory, the index source, the hash engine and the interface. The hash engine generates identifying values provided to the interface via the logical interconnection. The identifying values are provided to a verifying device for use in authenticating the electronic device. Alternatively or in addition, devices may be paired to share a root key to cryptographically communicate between each other and/or to authenticate each other.