Portable Cryptographic Device for Secure Remote Host Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users traveling with data and computer functions face challenges in accessing their data and computer capabilities from any computer, as existing portable devices lack secure and convenient methods for remote access and authentication.
Innovation Solution
A portable device equipped with a cryptographic processor, protected memory for a private key, and biometric authentication, which enables secure communication with a host computer via a guest computer, using cryptographic processing for secure connections and authentication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a portable device is designed to provide remote access to host computer, then accessibility and convenience are improved, but device complexity increases due to cryptographic processor, protected memory, and authentication mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The portable device embeds a cryptographic processor within its structure, and the cryptographic processor contains protected memory for storing private keys. This nested architecture integrates multiple security functions into a compact unit that can be inserted into a host computer, providing remote access capability while managing device complexity through hierarchical organization of components.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable device combines multiple functions including remote access to host computer, biometric authentication, cryptographic processing, and communication network connectivity into a single unified device. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate personal digital assistants or notebooks, improving accessibility while consolidating complexity into one device.
2Reliability
If biometric authentication and cryptographic processing are implemented, then security and privacy protection are improved, but device complexity and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The biometric authentication system automatically verifies user identity through cryptographic processing without requiring manual intervention. The cryptographic processor autonomously performs encryption, decryption, and key management operations, reducing the processing burden on the host computer while maintaining high security standards.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable device acts as an intermediary between the user and the host computer, handling all cryptographic operations and biometric verification locally. This mediator approach protects sensitive data by performing authentication and encryption within the portable device itself, reducing the processing requirements on the host computer while maintaining strong security.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the portable device stores operating system and cryptographic keys, then functionality and security are improved, but loss of information risk increases if the device is lost or stolen
Solution Approach 1:
The protected memory within the cryptographic processor is designed to prevent unauthorized access even if the portable device is lost or stolen. The cryptographic keys and operating system are protected by security mechanisms that activate when the device is removed from authorized hardware, preemptively preventing information loss before it can occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable device serves as a secure intermediary that holds cryptographic keys and operating system functionality. The protected memory within the device provides a secure barrier that prevents direct access to stored information, reducing the risk of information loss while maintaining full functionality when the device is properly authorized.
Data Source
AI summary
A portable device enables access to a host computer via a guest computer. The portable device is connected to the guest computer, and a program stored in a memory on the portable device is activated, the program including instructions for establishing communication with the host computer such that input to the guest computer serves as input to the host computer, and output displays from the host computer are displayed on the guest computer. The portable device includes a cryptographic processor for performing cryptographic processing for communicating with the host computer. The portable device also includes a protected memory for storing a private key accessible to the cryptographic processor, the private key being used during cryptographic processing. The protected memory can be internal or external to the cryptographic processor.