Inverting Cryptographic Algorithms for Faster Data Unmasking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electronic devices with limited resources face significant computing time and resource asymmetry issues when using standard cryptographic algorithms for masking and unmasking sensitive data, particularly due to the higher resource usage of deciphering operations compared to ciphering operations.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that utilize the deciphering algorithm for masking sensitive data and the ciphering algorithm for unmasking, optimizing resource usage by exploiting the asymmetry between the two operations, thereby reducing overall computing time for security operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If standard cryptographic algorithms are used for masking and unmasking sensitive data, then security is maintained, but computing time and resource consumption increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesecurityVSAvoidcomputing time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional cryptographic approach by using the deciphering algorithm for masking and the ciphering algorithm for unmasking. This reversal exploits the asymmetry in resource consumption between the two operations, making the frequent unmasking operation faster and more efficient while maintaining security through the mathematical properties of the cryptographic algorithm

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Reliability

If deciphering algorithm is used for unmasking data, then security is maintained, but resource consumption is excessively high

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesecurityVSAvoidresource consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the inversion principle by swapping the conventional roles of ciphering and deciphering algorithms. Instead of using the resource-intensive deciphering algorithm for unmasking, it uses the more efficient ciphering algorithm, thereby reducing resource consumption while maintaining security through the symmetric cryptographic properties

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Ease of operation

If sensitive data are unmasked frequently for use, then data accessibility is improved, but computing time accumulates significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata accessibilityVSAvoidaccumulated computing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

By inverting the algorithm usage, the patent makes the frequent operation (unmasking) use the faster ciphering algorithm, thereby reducing the accumulated computing time while maintaining full data accessibility. The security is preserved because the cryptographic properties ensure that unmasking with the ciphering algorithm is mathematically valid

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS10121392B2Masking and unmasking methods and devices

Publication Date: 2018.11.06 IDEMIA FRANCE SAS

AI summary

Devices and methods for masking and unmasking sensitive data, based on a standard cryptographic algorithm defining a ciphering algorithm, and a deciphering algorithm using more resources than the ciphering algorithm are described. The masking of sensitive data is done by applying the deciphering algorithm to the sensitive data to obtain masked sensitive data. The unmasking of the masked sensitive data is done by applying the ciphering algorithm to the masked sensitive data to obtain sensitive data in plain form.