Keychain Sync Conflict Resolution via Trusted Server
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data-sharing technologies among multiple devices often transmit data in an unprotected manner, lacking secure synchronization methods for sensitive data like passwords and private keys, and fail to effectively manage conflicts and access control for keychain items.
Innovation Solution
A method for synchronizing keychains between devices through a peer-to-peer network using secure communication protocols like OTR messaging or SSL, with conflict resolution techniques and data protection features that ensure only authorized access based on defined conditions, such as device state or user authentication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If data is transmitted between multiple devices for synchronization, then data sharing capability is improved, but security and protection against unauthorized access deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a trusted third-party server as an intermediary between client devices for keychain synchronization. The server authenticates devices, manages encryption keys, and facilitates secure data exchange, thereby enabling data sharing while preventing unauthorized access through centralized security control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct unencrypted data transmission with encrypted communication channels using public-key cryptography. Each device has a unique public/private key pair, and data is encrypted before transmission, substituting the mechanical concept of direct transfer with a cryptographic system that maintains security during synchronization.
2Ease of operation
If entire keychains are synchronized between devices, then synchronization simplicity is improved, but data protection and access control flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the keychain into individual items (passwords, certificates, private keys) that can be independently accessed and synchronized. Each keychain item can be selectively shared with specific devices based on defined conditions, providing both simplicity in synchronization operations and flexibility in access control through item-level granularity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic access control where the availability of keychain items is determined by conditions that can change over time. Access rights are not static but can be modified based on device state, user authentication, or other dynamic factors, allowing the system to adapt security policies without complicating the synchronization mechanism.
3Ease of operation
If conflict resolution uses most recent version, then resolution simplicity is improved, but data integrity and accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where devices send notifications about local changes to the synchronization server. The server tracks version information and conflict markers, then resolves conflicts by comparing timestamps and change logs. This feedback system enables simple automated resolution while maintaining data integrity through verified change tracking.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by establishing a baseline version of the keychain at the start of synchronization and continuously tracking changes from that baseline. Conflict markers are set in advance when divergent edits are detected, allowing the system to prepare resolution strategies before full conflict occurs, simplifying the resolution process while ensuring accurate data merging.
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments provide a program that synchronizes a keychain stored on a device with a set of other devices. The keychain includes a set of keychain items. The program receives (1) a list of keychain items for updating the keychain stored on the device and (2) data representing the keychain items specified in the list of keychain items. For each keychain item in the list of keychain items, the program updates the keychain stored on the device with the data that represents the keychain item.