Multi-Address Crypto Card Key Recovery via Segmented Stickers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current digital currency management systems are complex and pose security challenges due to the need for secure key backup, which deters less sophisticated users from participating in decentralized computing platforms, as existing hardware wallets are prone to failure modes that allow nefarious access to secret keys.
Innovation Solution
A physical, tamper-evident card with a multi-component sticker system that encodes public and private cryptographic keys, where the top layer is peeled back to reveal the bottom layer containing private access information, ensuring physical verification of tampering and simplifying user experience without the need for key recovery passphrases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hardware wallets store secret keys with backup mechanisms, then key recovery capability is improved, but security is worsened due to increased attack surface
Solution Approach 1:
The secret key is segmented into multiple shares that are distributed across different physical locations (hardware wallet device and separate backup locations). This segmentation allows key recovery without creating a single point of failure, while the distributed nature reduces the attack surface by requiring multiple physical locations to be compromised simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where the secret key is embedded within multiple layers of security mechanisms. The key is stored in the hardware wallet device with tamper-evident features, and backup shares are distributed to external locations. This nested approach enables recovery capability while maintaining security through layered protection.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If complex security measures are implemented for key management, then security is improved, but ease of operation is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables users to perform key recovery operations themselves through a simplified process. The hardware wallet device automatically manages the complex cryptographic operations and coordinate reconstruction, while users only need to follow simple guided steps. This self-service approach maintains high security through automated cryptographic protocols while improving ease of operation by eliminating the need for users to understand complex security mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary recovery process that mediates between the hardware wallet device and backup locations. The device automatically coordinates between stored key shares and backup locations, handling the complex reconstruction process. This intermediary mechanism shields users from security complexity while enabling secure key recovery through automated coordination.
3Reliability
If multiple backup locations are used for secret keys, then reliability is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The hardware wallet device is designed with multi-functionality to handle both primary key storage and backup coordination. The device can store multiple key shares, manage multiple backup locations, and perform reconstruction operations. This universal design consolidates backup management complexity into a single device while maintaining high key availability through distributed storage across multiple locations.
Data Source
AI summary
A physical card (in some cases without any on-board source of power or computing capabilities) is configured to maintain access information for digital bearer assets. The physical card may include disposed thereon a single address operable to receive digital bearer assets in one or more transactions on a decentralized computing platform, like a blockchain-based decentralized computing platform. Other decentralized computing platforms utilize different address generation protocols, thus preventing use of a single address on those other platforms. A set of addresses is generated, each address corresponding to a given decentralized computing platform. Each address is based on a same underlying key-pair, and a primary address is selected from the set for a given card. The remaining addresses in the set are stored, without storage of the public key or private key, and returned in a response to a request for additional addresses of the currency card.