Layered Encryption for Short-Lived Data Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge lies in securely storing data for extended periods, as current encryption methods may become vulnerable over time due to advancements in computing resources, making it difficult to maintain long-term data security.
Innovation Solution
The use of layered encryption techniques combined with one-time pads and periodic re-encryption with state-of-the-art cryptography, where a base data pad is used multiple times to generate derived pads, and the seeds or keys are stored and retrieved to maintain security, increasing the complexity of decryption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current encryption methods are used to store data, then data can be securely stored initially, but the encryption becomes vulnerable over time due to advancements in computing resources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic encryption by periodically re-encrypting data with updated cryptographic algorithms and key material. The system automatically detects when re-encryption is needed based on computational power thresholds and security policy violations, ensuring encryption remains effective against evolving attack methods while maintaining long-term data security.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by proactively re-encrypting data before it becomes vulnerable. It monitors computational power advancements and security policy changes, then preemptively updates encryption schemes to prevent future security breaches rather than waiting for vulnerabilities to be exploited.
2Reliability
If layered encryption with multiple secrets is used, then security is enhanced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the encryption system into distinct layers, each handling specific security requirements. Multiple secrets are divided into separate key material components that are managed independently, allowing the system to achieve high security through layered protection while maintaining manageable complexity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces intermediary components including key management services, security policy engines, and automated re-encryption orchestrators that mediate between the complex multi-layer encryption requirements and the underlying data storage, simplifying the overall system interface while maintaining security.
3Reliability
If data is re-encrypted periodically with state-of-the-art cryptography, then long-term security is maintained, but computational resources and time are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic re-encryption based on monitored computational power thresholds and security policy requirements. Rather than continuous re-encryption, the system performs updates at strategically determined intervals when computational advancements or policy changes indicate security enhancements are needed, optimizing the balance between security maintenance and resource consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts re-encryption parameters including timing, cryptographic algorithm selection, and key material updates based on monitored computational power levels and security policies. This allows the system to adapt its resource consumption to actual security needs, performing intensive re-encryption only when necessary to maintain long-term security.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for encrypting short-term data using layered encryption based on difficult to obtain secrets are described herein. Data that will be encrypted is designated as the source data for a first iteration of a layered encryption. An index indicates a data block within a large set of random data. The data block is encrypted and the encrypted data block is combined with the source data for the iteration to produce set of cryptographic data for the current iteration. The set of cryptographic data is used to generate cryptographic key data that is used to encrypt the index and the encrypted index is stored. The set of cryptographic data is then used as the source data for the next iteration.