Multi-Lock Mechanism for Embedded System Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking mechanisms for devices with embedded systems are insecure, allowing unauthorized access and revenue loss due to exploitation by hackers, lacking comprehensive security features such as tamper detection and secure default lock states.
Innovation Solution
A multi-lock mechanism with multiple independent locks, each having unique parameters and unlock parameters, utilizing secure memory types like NAND flash, DDR2 RAM, and RPMB, and incorporating features like TrustZone security extensions, trusted execution environments, and tamper detection, to enhance security and prevent unauthorized access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single locking mechanism is used, then the device is easy to operate and unlock, but the security is insufficient and vulnerable to hacking
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into multiple independent locks (first lock, second lock, third lock) each protecting different assets or functions. Each lock has its own lock parameters and unlock parameters stored in separate memory locations, creating a segmented security architecture where compromising one lock does not compromise the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a temporal dimension to the unlocking process by requiring that unlock parameters be provided within a specific time window. The system measures the time between receiving lock parameters and unlock parameters, and only unlocks if the time difference is within the allowed time window, creating a time-based security layer.
2Reliability
If multiple locks with different parameters are implemented, then security against hacking is improved, but the unlocking process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-loads lock parameters into memory before the unlocking operation is initiated. These parameters are stored in advance in secure memory locations, so when an unlocking request occurs, the system can quickly retrieve and verify the pre-prepared parameters without performing complex computations in real-time, thus reducing the actual unlocking time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic time window adjustment where the system monitors the time taken for unlock parameter entry and can adaptively adjust the time window or provide feedback to the user. The timing mechanism is dynamic rather than static, allowing the system to optimize between security and user convenience based on actual usage patterns.
3Reliability
If secure memory types like NAND flash and RPMB are used, then data protection is improved, but the device cost and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal secure memory architecture where the same secure memory components (NAND flash, RPMB) serve multiple functions: storing lock parameters, storing unlock parameters, storing timing information, and storing tamper detection data. This multi-functional use of secure memory reduces the need for separate dedicated storage components for each security function, thereby reducing overall manufacturing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A device configured to implement multiple locks to increase security of assets associated with the device including an embedded system, a multi-lock mechanism configured to provide a plurality of locks to prevent an authorized access to the assets associated with the embedded system, each of the plurality of locks of the multi-lock mechanism having an different unlock parameters, a memory configured to securely store at least one of the lock parameters of the plurality of locks of the multi-lock mechanism, the memory further configured to securely store at least one of the unlock parameters of the multi-lock mechanism, and the embedded system further configured to provide access to the assets after each of the lock parameters of the plurality of locks of the multi-lock mechanism is provided the unlock parameters of the multi-lock mechanism.