Cryptographic Key Rotation via Transitional Key Encryption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cryptographic systems face challenges in securely rotating cryptographic keys without disrupting ongoing cryptographic operations, especially in ensuring the continuity and integrity of key management across volatile and non-volatile memory environments.
Innovation Solution
The system generates a transitional cryptographic key by encrypting the current key with a system key, temporarily stores it in non-volatile memory, and activates a new key based on determined parameters, ensuring seamless rotation and validation through checksums and activation passwords, while maintaining the current key in volatile memory for immediate use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cryptographic keys are frequently rotated to maintain security, then data security is improved, but operational continuity may be disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The system generates a transitional cryptographic key in advance by encrypting the current key with a system key and storing it in non-volatile memory before the actual key rotation occurs. This preliminary preparation ensures that when key rotation is needed, a valid replacement key is already available, preventing operational disruption while maintaining security through frequent rotation
Solution Approach 2:
The transitional cryptographic key acts as an intermediary between the current and new cryptographic keys. It is generated from the current key, stored securely in non-volatile memory, and used to enable the new key without directly exposing or transmitting the current key, thus maintaining security while enabling smooth key rotation
2Speed
If cryptographic keys are stored in volatile memory for immediate access, then operational speed is improved, but data loss risk increases upon power failure
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different storage characteristics to different cryptographic keys based on their operational role. Current cryptographic keys are kept in volatile memory for fast access during active operations, while transitional cryptographic keys are stored in non-volatile memory for persistence. This localized differentiation of storage quality allows the system to optimize for both speed and reliability according to specific operational needs
3Reliability
If transitional cryptographic keys are encrypted with system keys for security, then key security is improved, but decryption complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transitional cryptographic key is designed to be self-encrypting by automatically encrypting the current key with the system key during its generation process. This self-service encryption mechanism eliminates the need for manual or external encryption operations during key rotation, reducing operational complexity while maintaining strong security through system key protection
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments are directed towards enabling cryptographic key rotation without disrupting cryptographic operations. If key rotation is initiated, a transitional key may be generated by encrypting the current key with a built-in system key. A new key may be generated based one at least one determined key parameter. Next, the new key may be activated by the one or more key holders. If the new key is activated, it may be designated as the new current key. The new current key may be employed to encrypt the transitional key and store it in a key array. Each additional rotated key may be stored in the key array after it is encrypted by the current cryptographic key. Further, in response to a submission of an unencrypted query value, one or more encrypted values that correspond to a determined number of rotated cryptographic keys are generated.