Machine Learning TPM Key Vaulting for Hypervisor Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hypervisors in enterprise IT systems face service outages due to modifications in the trusted platform module (TPM) during firmware upgrades or hardware changes, necessitating reinstallation and reconfiguration, which can be mitigated by securely storing and managing TPM encryption recovery keys.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented system uses a machine learning model to automatically manage and store TPM encryption recovery keys in a secure vault, predicting key changes and causes through event logging and analysis, eliminating the need for manual reinstallation and reconfiguration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If TPM is modified during firmware upgrade or hardware changes, then operational requirements are met, but secure protection is nullified and service outage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically detecting TPM modification events before they cause service outage, retrieving the associated recovery key from secure storage, and restoring the hypervisor configuration proactively. This prevents the complete loss of secure protection and eliminates the need for manual reinstallation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes a feedback mechanism where the management server continuously monitors host devices for TPM modification events, receives notifications when modifications occur, and automatically responds by retrieving and applying recovery keys. This closed-loop feedback system maintains secure protection despite TPM modifications.
2Reliability
If administrator reinstalls hypervisor after TPM modification, then secure protection is restored, but service outage is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by automating the entire recovery process. When a TPM modification is detected, the management server automatically retrieves the recovery key from secure storage, restores the hypervisor configuration, and returns the system to operational status without requiring administrator intervention for reinstallation or reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
Recovery keys are stored securely in advance before TPM modifications occur. When a modification event happens, the pre-stored key is immediately retrieved and applied, eliminating the time-consuming manual reinstallation and reconfiguration process that would otherwise be required to restore secure protection.
3Productivity
If TPM encryption recovery key is lost or not available, then server can be recovered without reinstallation, but secure protection cannot be restored
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by securely storing TPM encryption recovery keys in a protected vault before they are needed. This advance preparation ensures that when a TPM modification occurs, the recovery key is immediately available for retrieval, enabling both fast recovery and restoration of secure protection simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The management server establishes a feedback mechanism that monitors for TPM modification events and automatically triggers the recovery process. When a modification is detected, the system retrieves the pre-stored recovery key and applies it to restore secure protection, ensuring both rapid response and reliable security restoration.
4Reliability
If keys are vaulted to secure place, then security is enhanced, but key retrieval and management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The management server acts as an intermediary between the secure key vault and the host devices. It handles all key retrieval operations automatically in response to TPM modification events, shielding administrators from the complexity of secure key management while maintaining high security standards through automated, controlled access to the vaulted keys.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by automating the entire key management process. The management server automatically detects TPM modifications, retrieves the appropriate recovery key from secure storage, and applies it to restore the hypervisor configuration. This automation eliminates manual key handling complexity while maintaining security, as the system serves itself without requiring administrators to navigate complex key management procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
Automatic management of trusted platform module encryption recovery keys is disclosed. A first request is generated for a trusted platform module encryption recovery key and transmitted to a plurality of host computing devices. In response, copies of trusted platform module encryption recovery keys, each respectively associated with a trusted platform module, are received and stored in a storage vault. A second for a trusted platform module encryption recovery key is generated and transmitted to the plurality of host computing devices. In response, a copy of a trusted platform module encryption recovery key not previously received is received. Thereafter, the copy of the different key is determined to be not previously stored in the storage vault. The copy of the different trusted platform module encryption recovery key is stored in the storage vault.