Network Time Protocol Key Encryption via Hardware Security Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
The Network Time Protocol (NTP) lacks secure key storage methods, as NTP keys are stored in local file systems in plaintext, making them vulnerable to unauthorized access and potential disruption of clock synchronization systems.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method to encrypt and decrypt NTP keys using a hardware module such as a Hardware Security Module (HSM) or Trusted Platform Module (TPM), or generating a local encryption key based on device identifiers, to enhance security and protect key storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If NTP keys are stored in plaintext in local file systems, then key access and usage is simple and fast, but security is compromised and unauthorized access becomes possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by encrypting NTP keys before they are stored in the local file system. The encryption process is performed in advance during key generation or import, so that when keys are retrieved, they are already in a secure encrypted state. This eliminates the need for complex real-time security checks during key access, maintaining simplicity while ensuring security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary encryption layer between the NTP keys and the file system storage. Instead of storing keys directly, an encrypted version is stored through a cryptographic intermediary process. This intermediary encryption mechanism protects the keys without significantly complicating the overall key management workflow, as standard encryption libraries can be used.
2Reliability
If NTP keys are encrypted before storage, then security is improved and unauthorized access is prevented, but key retrieval and usage requires additional decryption steps
Solution Approach 1:
The encryption is performed in advance during key generation or import, creating a secure stored state. When keys need to be retrieved, the decryption process is a straightforward operational step that automatically occurs as part of the key retrieval workflow. This preliminary encryption setup ensures that the additional operational step becomes a routine, automated process rather than a complex manual procedure.
3Ease of manufacture
If plaintext key storage is used, then implementation is simple and straightforward, but the system is vulnerable to key compromise and network disruption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary encryption during key generation or import, so that the simple act of storing keys automatically creates a secure encrypted version. This maintains implementation simplicity because standard encryption functions are used, while simultaneously eliminating the vulnerability to unauthorized access that plagues plaintext storage.
Solution Approach 2:
An encryption intermediary layer is introduced between the key and storage medium. This intermediary cryptographic process transforms the simple storage operation into a secure operation without significantly complicating the implementation, as it leverages well-established encryption libraries and protocols that can be integrated with minimal additional complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and devices for encrypting network time protocol keys in communication networks are disclosed. A method comprises obtaining an original NTP key, obtaining a local encryption key for encrypting the original NTP key, encrypting the original NTP key using the obtained local encryption key and saving the encrypted NTP key.