Parameter-Based Key Derivation for Distributed Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing computing environments face challenges in balancing security and efficiency, particularly in managing shared secret credentials for authentication in distributed systems, where centralized key storage can lead to scaling bottlenecks and availability issues.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a key derivation protocol using Hash Message Authentication Code (HMAC) to generate signatures based on shared secret credentials, where the derivation process includes additional parameters such as timestamps, service identifiers, and geographic restrictions, allowing for secure authentication without exposing the actual credential, and enabling secure key distribution across multiple fault zones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If centralized key storage is used for authentication, then security management is simplified, but scaling bottlenecks and availability issues occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the centralized key storage system into distributed key derivation nodes across multiple fault zones. Each node can independently derive authentication keys using the HMAC-based key derivation protocol, eliminating the single point of failure in centralized key storage while maintaining security management simplicity through standardized key derivation processes.
2Reliability
If security measures are strengthened, then authentication security is improved, but access efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary key derivation where authentication keys are pre-computed and cached in distributed nodes before actual authentication requests. The HMAC-based key derivation protocol allows nodes to quickly retrieve and use pre-derived keys, maintaining strong security verification while significantly improving access efficiency by avoiding repeated complex cryptographic operations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If key distribution is expanded across multiple zones, then system scalability is improved, but key management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses parameter-based key derivation where a single master key combined with zone-specific parameters (such as fault zone identifiers) generates unique authentication keys for each distributed node. This approach enables easy scalability to new zones by simply introducing new parameters without increasing key management complexity, as the same derivation protocol handles all zones uniformly.
Data Source
AI summary
A delegation request is submitted to a session-based authentication service, fulfillment of which involves granting an entity an access privilege to a computing resource. A session key is received from the session-based authentication service. The session key having been generated based at least in part on a restriction and a secret credential shared with the session-based authentication service and usable at least in part to prove possession of the access privilege to the computing resource. The session key is provided to the entity without providing the shared secret credential.