Multi-algorithm Key Generation and Certificate Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for installing digital certificates on servers are lengthy, tedious, and error-prone, as they require generating and installing key pairs one-by-one using a single algorithm at a time, necessitating separate enrollment and identity authentication workflows for each certificate, even though servers often support multiple algorithms.
Innovation Solution
A method for concurrently requesting and generating multiple key pairs and certificates using different signing and hashing algorithms, allowing a customer to select algorithms, generate key pairs, and send certificate signing requests to a certificate authority for simultaneous installation on a server.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple certificates are generated and installed separately using single algorithm at a time, then each certificate can be properly authenticated and installed, but the process becomes lengthy, tedious, and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate certificate generation and installation processes into a single unified workflow. The system allows simultaneous selection of multiple algorithms (RSA, DSA, ECDSA) and generates corresponding key pairs and certificates in one batch operation, rather than requiring separate sequential processes for each algorithm. This merging reduces installation time and minimizes user errors while maintaining proper authentication for each certificate type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal certificate installation system that handles multiple algorithm types (RSA, DSA, ECDSA) through a single interface and process. The system is designed to be algorithm-agnostic, allowing customers to select from supported algorithms and automatically generating appropriate key pairs and certificates without requiring separate enrollment workflows for each algorithm type.
2Reliability
If separate enrollment and identity authentication workflows are conducted for each certificate request, then proper security verification is maintained, but the complexity and tedium of the process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate enrollment and authentication workflows into a single unified process. Instead of requiring customers to complete separate identity verification procedures for each algorithm type, the system conducts the authentication workflow once and uses the verified identity information to generate certificates across all selected algorithms simultaneously, reducing process complexity while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs identity authentication and verification as a preliminary step before certificate generation. The customer's identity is verified once at the beginning of the process, and this authenticated identity information is then reused across all subsequent certificate generation operations for different algorithms, eliminating the need to repeat authentication multiple times.
3Manufacturing precision
If customers manually install each certificate separately, then proper configuration can be achieved, but errors may occur due to the complex and infrequent nature of the installation process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple manual certificate installation steps into a single automated process. The system generates all necessary key pairs and certificates across selected algorithms and installs them simultaneously through one unified operation, eliminating the need for customers to manually configure each certificate separately and reducing configuration errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements an automated self-service installation process that reduces customer intervention. The system automatically generates key pairs, creates certificate signing requests, receives certificates from the certificate authority, and installs them on the server without requiring manual customer actions for each step, thereby improving accuracy while maintaining ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are disclosed for generating multiple key pairs using different algorithms and similarly installing certificates signed using the different algorithms. A customer server receives a selection of algorithms for generating a public/private key pair (e.g., RSA, ECC, DSA, etc.). The customer server generates key pairs for each selection and also generates corresponding certificate signing requests (CSR). The customer server sends the CSRs to a certificate authority (CA). The CA generates certificates associated with algorithm and sends the certificates to the customer server. The customer server may prompt a user to select one or more of the certificates to install, and upon receiving the selection, the customer installs the certificates.