Memory Encryptor Verification Through Host Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional systems lack the ability to test the encryption function embedded in a memory system from outside.
Innovation Solution
An information processing system comprising a memory system and a host that enables verification of encryption and decryption functions through the use of authentication and verification processes, allowing the host to test the encryptor's functionality from outside the memory system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the encryption function is embedded within the memory system, then data security is improved, but the ability to test the encryption function from outside the memory system deteriorates (becomes impossible)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary verification process where the host system can send verification requests and receive verification results through the memory system's interface. This intermediary mechanism allows external testing of the encryption function without exposing the actual encryption keys or internal security mechanisms, thus maintaining data security while enabling testability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary verification actions where the host system can perform verification tests before actual data encryption operations. This allows the encryption function to be tested in advance under controlled conditions, ensuring its correctness without compromising the security of actual data encryption.
2Reliability
If the encryption function is embedded within the memory system, then data security is improved, but the ability to verify correct operation from outside the memory system deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes a feedback mechanism where the memory system returns verification results to the host system after performing encryption verification operations. This feedback loop enables the host to measure and confirm the correct operation of the encryption function without exposing internal security mechanisms, thus maintaining both security and verification capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The verification process acts as an intermediary measurement mechanism that allows indirect observation of the encryption function's correctness. Instead of directly accessing internal encryption operations, the host system uses the intermediary verification interface to obtain measurement data about the encryption function's proper operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A system encrypts a number by an authentication key to generate first reference data, transmits a result of an authentication process to the host when first encryption data and the first reference data match each other, encrypts or decrypts verification data with a verification key to generate processing data, and transmits the processing data to the host. The host encrypts the number with the authentication key to generate first encryption data, transmits the first encryption data to the memory system, transmits a request regarding an operation in a first mode to the memory system upon reception of a result of the authentication process, transmits the verification key and the verification data read from a second memory to the system, and generates a success notification indicating that an encryptor is working correctly when the processing data and second reference data match each other.