Partial-Key Cryptography for Quantum-Resistant Data Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional encryption schemes are vulnerable to interception and are expected to become obsolete with the advent of quantum computing, necessitating a reliable and future-proof method for securing data transmission and storage.
Innovation Solution
A method where a sending device encrypts a message using a first cryptographic key and transmits an incomplete version of a second cryptographic key to a receiving device, which retrieves the remainder from a service device to combine and derive a complete key for decryption, adding layers of security through time sensitivity and prime number factorization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional encryption schemes are used, then data can be encrypted and transmitted, but the encryption keys can be intercepted and used by intruders to decrypt the data
Solution Approach 1:
The cryptographic key is divided into multiple segments (first key component, second key component, third key component) that are distributed separately to different parties. No single segment alone can decrypt the encrypted data; all segments must be combined to reconstruct the full decryption key, preventing successful decryption even if some segments are intercepted.
Solution Approach 2:
A trusted intermediary system (such as a key distribution center or secure enclave) is introduced to manage and verify the combination of key segments. This intermediary ensures that key components are properly distributed and combined only by authorized recipients, adding a layer of control and verification to the key management process.
2Reliability
If traditional encryption schemes are used, then data encryption is possible, but quantum computing will render these schemes obsolete
Solution Approach 1:
The encryption scheme segments the cryptographic key into multiple parts distributed among different parties, creating a multi-party computation system. This approach provides post-quantum security because the security relies on the computational difficulty of coordinating all key segments, rather than on mathematical problems that quantum computers could solve efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The encryption system combines multiple cryptographic primitives and key management mechanisms into a composite security architecture. By integrating segmented key distribution with secure multi-party computation protocols, the system creates a layered defense that is more resilient to quantum computing threats than traditional single-protocol approaches.
3Ease of operation
If complete cryptographic keys are transmitted directly, then decryption is simplified, but the keys become vulnerable to interception and misuse
Solution Approach 1:
The complete cryptographic key is segmented into multiple components that are distributed separately to the recipient through different secure channels. The recipient must collect and combine all segments to reconstruct the full key, which maintains decryption functionality while significantly enhancing security by preventing successful decryption if any single transmission is compromised.
Solution Approach 2:
Key segments are pre-distributed to the recipient before the actual decryption operation is needed. This preliminary distribution through secure channels allows the recipient to have all necessary key components ready, enabling straightforward decryption once all segments are collected, while the segmented structure itself provides the security enhancement.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for securing encrypted data wherein a sending computer encrypts data to be transmitted with an encryption key. The encryption key itself is not sent, but can be derived from a second key and third key. The second key is modified such that an incomplete portion of the second key is sent along with the message to a recipient computer. The third key is sent separately to the recipient computer. The recipient computer obtains the remainder of the second key, reconstructs the complete second key and then uses it with the third key to derive a decryption key to decrypt the message.