Location-Based Master Seed Generation for Secure Key Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for creating and recovering master seeds in hardware security modules are vulnerable to security breaches if the recovery mnemonic sentence is revealed or leaked, compromising the security of cryptographic secrets.
Innovation Solution
A location-based hardware security module generates a master seed using a predetermined location authorized by a location authority, incorporating GPS coordinates and a pseudo-random number generator to create a signing request message, which is only authorized within a designated authorization zone, enhancing security by ensuring the location-based HSM can only generate the master seed within a geographically assured area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional master seed creation methods are used with recovery mnemonic sentences, then ease of operation is improved, but security is worsened due to vulnerability to breaches if the mnemonic is revealed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the location verification function from the master seed creation process itself, separating it into an independent verification step performed by a location authority. This allows the master seed creation to remain simple while adding a security layer that verifies the device is at the authorized location before generating the master seed, thus preventing unauthorized creation without complicating the user operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a location authority as an intermediary between the device and the master seed creation process. This intermediary verifies the device's location using GPS coordinates and authorization zones before allowing master seed generation. This mediator adds security by preventing unauthorized location-based master seed creation while maintaining ease of operation for authorized users.
2Reliability
If location-based authorization is implemented for master seed generation, then security is improved, but device complexity is worsened due to additional GPS and verification components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the hardware security module multi-functional by integrating both traditional cryptographic functions and location-based verification functions into a single device. The HSM can perform standard key generation while also incorporating GPS coordinate verification and location authority communication, eliminating the need for separate location verification hardware and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the location verification process with the master seed creation process into a single integrated operation. Instead of separate steps for location checking and key generation, the system combines them so that the location authority verification is automatically performed as part of the master seed creation workflow, reducing operational complexity despite added security.
3Reliability
If master seed generation is restricted to authorized locations, then security is improved, but adaptability is worsened due to geographic constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic authorization zones that can be configured and modified by location authorities. Instead of fixed geographic restrictions, the system allows authorization zones to be dynamically defined using GPS coordinate boundaries, enabling flexible adaptation to different operational requirements while maintaining security through enforced location verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of location authorization from a static restriction to a configurable parameter system. Location authorities can define multiple authorization zones with different GPS coordinate boundaries, allowing the system to adapt to various security requirements and geographic contexts. The device can operate at different locations by obtaining appropriate authorization for each zone.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for generating a master seed using location-based data includes a pseudo-random number generator configured to generate a random number and a global positioning system module configured to determine a location of the system. The system also includes an encryption module configured to generate a signing request message. The signing request message includes the random number and the location. The system further includes a communication device configured to transmit the signing request message to a location authority for authorization. The communication device further configured to receive a signature from the location authority upon authorization of the signing request message. The system is further configured to generate a master seed based on the signature.