Post Quantum SUCI Encryption for 5G Security

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing communication security systems, particularly in 5G networks, face challenges in ensuring secure encryption mechanisms due to vulnerabilities in elliptic curve algorithms, which can be broken by cryptographically relevant quantum computers using Shor's algorithm.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a post-quantum key encapsulation mechanism (KEM) based on cryptography to generate public and private keys for SUCI encryption, ensuring that the SUCI is generated and decrypted using PQC KEM ciphertexts and shared secrets, thereby enhancing security against quantum attacks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If elliptic curve algorithms are used for SUCI encryption, then current communication security is maintained, but vulnerability to quantum computer attacks increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesecurityVSAvoidquantum attack vulnerability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the cryptographic algorithm parameter from elliptic curve-based encryption to post-quantum cryptography (PQC) key encapsulation mechanism. This parameter change transforms the encryption method to one that is resistant to quantum computer attacks, specifically using PQC KEM to generate public-private key pairs for SUCI encryption, thereby maintaining security reliability while eliminating quantum vulnerability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes the cryptographic mechanism from classical elliptic curve algorithms to post-quantum cryptographic mechanisms. This substitution replaces the mathematical foundation of the encryption system with one that is believed to be secure against both classical and quantum computational attacks, using PQC KEM instead of ECIES for key encapsulation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If post quantum cryptography is implemented, then security against quantum attacks is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvequantum securityVSAvoidencryption system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a hybrid encryption approach that combines both elliptic curve-based encryption and post-quantum cryptography key encapsulation mechanism. This universal approach allows the system to perform both classical and post-quantum secure encryption operations, providing quantum security while maintaining compatibility with existing communication protocols and reducing the perceived complexity through standardized interfaces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20250038969A1Post quantum key encapsulation mechanism based SUCI encryption

Publication Date: 2025.01.30 NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY

AI summary

Example embodiments of the present disclosure relate to SUCI encryption based on a post quantum key encapsulation mechanism. In an aspect, a terminal device generates a subscription concealed identifier (SUCI) of the terminal device based on a subscription permanent identifier (SUPI) of the terminal device and a public key of a home network of the terminal device, wherein the public key is generated based on a post quantum cryptography (PQC) key encapsulation mechanism (KEM). The terminal device then transmits the SUCI to a network device. According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a new fully Post Quantum based SUCI ensures to avoid different kinds of attacks.