Personal Encryption Device for Handheld Data Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Handheld computing devices often lack adequate security measures for data protection, including the inability to securely store private key information and secure documents, folders, and directories, which poses a risk for data integrity and security.
Innovation Solution
A personal encryption device is physically connected to a handheld computing device, providing cryptography options such as encryption, decryption, and digital signatures, and maintaining a PK certificate for secure data management, including encryption of documents and folders upon disconnection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If data is stored on handheld computing devices for mobility and ease of use, then accessibility and convenience are improved, but data security and integrity deteriorate due to inadequate security measures
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates security functions from the handheld device by using an external encryption device that connects via USB. The encryption device contains secure cryptographic modules and key storage, while the handheld device maintains its mobility and general computing functions. This segmentation allows data to be protected without compromising the handheld device's accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
An external encryption device serves as an intermediary between the user and the handheld device's data. This intermediary provides cryptographic operations and secure key management, acting as a security layer that protects data while allowing the handheld device to remain mobile and accessible for legitimate operations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If private key information is stored on handheld computing devices to enable cryptography operations, then cryptographic functionality is improved, but security deteriorates due to inability to securely store private keys
Solution Approach 1:
Private key information is extracted from the handheld device and stored in a dedicated external encryption device. This extraction removes the security vulnerability of storing private keys on the handheld device while maintaining cryptographic functionality through the external device's secure key storage and processing capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The external encryption device acts as an intermediary that handles all private key operations. The handheld device can perform cryptographic operations by communicating with this intermediary, which securely manages private keys without exposing them to the handheld device's less secure environment.
3Reliability
If encryption is implemented on handheld devices to protect data, then data security is improved, but device complexity and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The external encryption device is designed to be self-contained with its own cryptographic processing capabilities and key management system. It automatically handles encryption, decryption, and key protection without requiring the user to manage complex security configurations, making the system easy to use despite providing strong security.
Solution Approach 2:
The external encryption device provides multiple cryptographic functions (encryption, decryption, digital signatures, key management) through a single unified interface. This multi-functionality reduces complexity by consolidating various security operations into one device that works with the handheld device across different cryptographic needs.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for securing a handheld computing device is described. A personal encryption device may be physically connected to a handheld computing device. Responsive to the connection, a main screen user interface may be displayed on a display of the handheld computing device. The main screen user interface may include at least one cryptography option for a user of the handheld computing device. A user-defined input representative of selection of a first cryptography option of the at least one cryptography option may be received, and at least one cryptography process associated with the selected first cryptography option may be implemented by the handheld computing device and personal encryption device. The cryptography options may include encryption, decryption, digital signatures, and digital signature verification.