Multi-Environment Key Pushing for Secure File Encryption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing encryption systems face challenges in distinguishing confidentiality levels of data sources and determining the appropriate key for encryption, leading to accidental encryption of low-secret level files to high-secret level due to operations performed using high-level keys, which can transform a multi-key network environment into a single-key environment.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced that involves setting multiple keys corresponding to different encrypted environments, configuring user terminals with an environment switching interface, and pushing corresponding keys to user terminals based on received key acquisition requests, ensuring that only authorized keys are used for specific encrypted environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a high-level key is used to operate files, then file operation capability is improved, but the risk of accidentally encrypting low-secret level files to high-secret level increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the encryption key into multiple keys (first key and second key) corresponding to different confidentiality levels. Each key is associated with a specific encrypted environment, allowing users to operate files at appropriate security levels without risking accidental escalation of encryption levels.
Solution Approach 2:
Different keys are assigned to different encrypted environments based on their confidentiality levels. The first key is used in the first encrypted environment for low-secret level files, while the second key is used in the second encrypted environment for high-secret level files, ensuring that each key operates locally within its designated security context.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple keys are distributed to user terminals, then multi-key environment is maintained, but key distribution security may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pushing the first key to the user terminal before the second key. This sequential key distribution ensures that users first establish connectivity and trust in the first encrypted environment before accessing the second key, thereby maintaining security while enabling multi-key functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The first encrypted environment acts as an intermediary between the user and the second encrypted environment. Users must first connect to the first environment, establish a secure channel, and then receive the second key through this intermediary layer, adding an additional security checkpoint before high-secret level key distribution.
3Ease of operation
If key acquisition requests are processed automatically, then user convenience is improved, but risk of unauthorized key access increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms by requiring users to confirm their identity and intended operation before processing key acquisition requests. The server receives key acquisition requests, verifies user credentials, and only then pushes the appropriate key, ensuring that automated key distribution is accompanied by security verification feedback loops.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for pushing a key includes the following steps: setting a plurality of keys, each of which corresponds to a different encrypted environment; configuring a user terminal with an environment switching interface for selection of an encrypted environment; and pushing a corresponding key to the user terminal according to a received key acquisition request.