PKI-Based Encryption for Power of Attorney Document Security

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current systems for managing power of attorney (POA) documents lack adequate protection of privacy and immutability, which are crucial for legal integrity and security.

Innovation Solution

The method involves encrypting POA files using an encryption algorithm and generating decryption keys structured for individual or combined use, with Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) enhancing privacy and immutability by controlling access through Certificate Authority-based key management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If POA documents are stored as computer readable documents without encryption, then accessibility and ease of operation are improved, but privacy protection and security are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccessibility of POA documentsVSAvoidprivacy exposure and security risks

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies encryption algorithms to transform POA documents from readable to encrypted state, changing the parameter of data accessibility. The documents are stored in encrypted form and can only be accessed with appropriate decryption keys, thus protecting privacy while maintaining controlled accessibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces decryption keys as an intermediary mechanism between the stored POA documents and authorized users. The keys act as a mediator that controls access without exposing the actual document contents, resolving the contradiction between accessibility and security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If POA documents are stored without cryptographic protection, then device complexity and implementation cost are reduced, but reliability and legal integrity are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem implementation complexityVSAvoidlegal integrity and tamper-proof protection

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the state of POA documents from plain text to encrypted format using cryptographic algorithms. This transformation ensures that any modification to the documents would be detectable, thereby enhancing reliability and legal integrity while maintaining manageable system complexity through standardized encryption processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If traditional access control methods are used for POA documents, then ease of operation is maintained, but protection against unauthorized access and tampering is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedocument access convenienceVSAvoidprotection against unauthorized access

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces cryptographic keys as an intermediary layer between users and POA documents. Instead of relying solely on traditional access control, the system uses key-based encryption to provide both ease of operation for authorized users and strong protection against unauthorized access, resolving the contradiction between convenience and security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11368316B2Applying PKI (public key infrastructure) to power of attorney documents

Publication Date: 2022.06.21 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION

AI summary

Technology for using a Certificate of Authority and key based encryption in connection with legal Power of Attorney (POA) documents to control access to the POA so that security and/or immutability is enhanced. In some embodiments, PKI (public key infrastructure) is used to enhance privacy and immutability of POA data.