Nonvolatile Memory Embedded Cryptographic Signing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies lack secure mechanisms for authenticating devices over networks and ensuring the integrity of stored information during data transfers, particularly in consumer applications where privacy and security of digital assets are concerns.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of nonvolatile memory with embedded cryptographic capabilities, including a private key stored internally, allows for secure authentication and integrity checks of data without external intervention, using RSA algorithms and other cryptographic protocols to generate signatures for data stored in the memory array.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If nonvolatile memory with embedded cryptographic capabilities is implemented, then security and integrity of data transfers is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity and integrity of data transfersVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines cryptographic processing capabilities directly within the nonvolatile memory device, merging storage and security functions into a single integrated system. This eliminates the need for separate cryptographic hardware modules and reduces overall system complexity despite adding advanced functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The nonvolatile memory device performs self-authentication and self-signing of data using its embedded cryptographic engine and stored private key. The memory device independently verifies integrity of data being read without requiring external authentication infrastructure, making the system more secure while maintaining simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If private key is stored internally in nonvolatile memory, then authentication security is improved, but vulnerability to internal attacks increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveauthentication securityVSAvoidvulnerability to internal attacks

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements differentiated access controls within the memory device, where the private key is stored in a protected region with restricted access permissions. Only specific authenticated processes can access the cryptographic key material, while other parts of the system have limited access, creating local security zones with different protection levels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary authentication checks and integrity verification before data processing operations. The memory device signs data with the private key before output, and receiving systems verify these signatures, preventing unauthorized modification and detecting internal attacks before they can compromise data integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Data Source

PatentUS8539238B2Authenticated nonvolatile memory signing operations

Publication Date: 2013.09.17 INTEL NDTM US LLC

AI summary

A wireless device includes a nonvolatile memory that handles the task of securely performing integrity checks that do not expose the authentication private key externally. The system security architecture installs and associates private keys with the nonvolatile memory to create a secure execution environment resistant to virus attack. The nonvolatile memory provides integrity checks of nonvolatile memory data and generates signatures for data provided by the memory.