Semiconductor Memory Encryption Key Generation via Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing semiconductor memory security systems are vulnerable to unauthorized data analysis due to the possibility of observing and analyzing encrypted data exchanged between the information processing apparatus and the semiconductor memory, especially when the same encryption technique is used for all memories, making it difficult to prevent unauthorized reading of stored data.
Innovation Solution
A memory information protection system that generates encryption key data based on encryption key source data stored in the semiconductor memory, using a processing means within the information processing apparatus to create a long encryption key data with a predetermined relationship to decryption key data, stored in an inaccessible memory space, thereby preventing unauthorized access and analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If encryption key data is stored in the semiconductor memory and transmitted between the information processing apparatus and the semiconductor memory, then data security is improved, but the encryption key data can be read and analyzed from outside, making the security system vulnerable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the encryption key data generation function from the semiconductor memory by introducing a cipher generation data storage means and encryption key data generating means in the information processing apparatus. The semiconductor memory only stores encryption key source data, while the actual encryption key data is generated externally and temporarily stored in the information processing apparatus, preventing unauthorized reading and analysis of the encryption key data from outside the system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces temporary storage means as an intermediary component in the information processing apparatus to hold encryption key data temporarily during the encryption process. This intermediary storage location allows the system to use encryption key data for securing communications while preventing direct access or analysis of the key data from external sources, as it is only accessible within the controlled environment of the information processing apparatus
2Device complexity
If the same encryption technique is used for all semiconductor memories, then device complexity is reduced, but it becomes difficult to prevent unauthorized reading of data from specific memories
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by storing different encryption key source data in the encryption key source data storage section of each semiconductor memory. Although the same basic encryption technique is used across all memories, each memory has unique encryption key source data that generates different encryption key data, enabling memory-specific data protection while maintaining uniformity in the overall encryption approach
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of encryption key data by generating different encryption key data for each semiconductor memory based on unique encryption key source data stored in each memory. This parameter variation in the encryption keys allows differentiation between memories without changing the fundamental encryption technique, thereby preventing unauthorized reading of data from specific memories
3Object-affected harmful factors
If encryption key data is generated based on encryption key source data and temporarily stored in the information processing apparatus, then unauthorized reading of encryption key data is prevented, but the system requires additional components for key generation and management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the information processing apparatus to perform multiple functions: it not only processes data but also generates encryption key data from encryption key source data and temporarily stores it in the temporary storage means. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated key management hardware, thereby preventing unauthorized key access while minimizing the increase in system component structure
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus causes an encryption key data generating section to generate key data stored in a semiconductor memory by using encryption key source data read from the semiconductor memory and cipher generation data stored therein, and stores the key data in a temporary storage section. The information processing apparatus transmits data encrypted by an encryption circuit by using the key data. Upon receipt of the encrypted data, the semiconductor memory executes a command decrypted by a decryption circuit similarly using the key data. This achieves data communication only between the predetermined semiconductor memory and the information processing apparatus.