Keyboard Crossbar Scrambling to Thwart Keylogging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies are vulnerable to keylogging due to compromised keyboard input processors, which can intercept and log keystrokes, posing a significant security risk.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a crossbar between the keyboard's key matrix and the keyboard input processor, which scrambles the key signal in a predictable manner, preventing the keyboard input processor from knowing the actual key pressed, thereby thwarting keylogging attempts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the keyboard input processor directly receives key signals from the key matrix, then the keyboard operates simply and efficiently, but the system becomes vulnerable to keylogging attacks
Solution Approach 1:
A crossbar component is introduced as an intermediary between the key matrix and the keyboard input processor. The crossbar receives key signals from the key matrix and selectively routes them to the KIP based on control signals, preventing direct access and enabling secure communication channels while maintaining system functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The keyboard architecture is segmented into distinct functional components: the key matrix, the crossbar switching network, and the keyboard input processor. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, with the crossbar acting as a controlled gateway that separates the input interface from the processing unit, thereby enhancing security without compromising overall efficiency.
2Reliability
If the crossbar scrambles key signals to prevent keylogging, then security is enhanced, but the signal routing becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The crossbar implements dynamic signal routing where the connection paths between key signals and the KIP change based on control signals. The crossbar can reconfigure its internal connections to scramble key signal routes, making it difficult for keyloggers to capture consistent, meaningful data while allowing legitimate processing to function correctly through coordinated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The crossbar changes the routing parameters of key signals based on control inputs. By dynamically altering which key signals are routed to the KIP and in what sequence, the system transforms the signal transmission pattern, preventing straightforward interception and logging while maintaining the ability to deliver accurate input data when properly controlled.
Data Source
AI summary
The technology described herein protects against key logging at a keyboard input processor. The technology described herein includes a keyboard with a plurality of keys, a key matrix, a crossbar, and a KIP. The crossbar scrambles a key signal generated by the key matrix according to a scramble instruction known to the computer receiving the keyboard input. The result produced by the crossbar may be described as a scrambled key signal. The scrambled key signal may correspond to a different key signal produced by the key matrix. A different scramble instruction may be provided for each keystroke. The scramble instruction may be used by the computing device receiving a scrambled keystroke to unscramble it.