Private Blockchain Public-Key Management for Secure Group Messaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing encryption techniques, such as Public Key Infrastructure (PKI), are vulnerable to single points of failure and 'man-in-the-middle' attacks due to the distribution and storage of public keys, which can be compromised.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing a private blockchain system to securely store and manage public keys, ensuring only authorized entities have access, and implementing a double ratchet technique for secure key exchange in communications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If public keys are distributed or stored by key escrow systems, then key management is simplified, but security is compromised due to single point of failure and man-in-the-middle attacks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the key escrow system into multiple independent nodes forming a distributed ledger (blockchain). Instead of storing public keys in a single centralized location, the system distributes key management across multiple nodes, eliminating the single point of failure while maintaining ease of key management operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a blockchain intermediary layer between key distribution and key usage. This decentralized intermediary maintains an immutable ledger of public keys, preventing direct manipulation by attackers while still enabling simplified key management for users. The blockchain acts as a trusted mediator that eliminates the need for traditional vulnerable key escrow systems.
2Device complexity
If public keys are stored in a centralized system, then access control is simplified, but the system becomes vulnerable to attacks and key compromise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the centralized key storage system into multiple distributed nodes on a blockchain network. Each node maintains a copy of the immutable ledger, segmenting the storage function across the network. This segmentation reduces structural complexity at any single point while dramatically reducing attack vulnerability through decentralization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an inert security environment using blockchain's immutable ledger technology. The public keys are stored in a cryptographically secured, tamper-proof environment that resists attacks. The immutable nature of blockchain creates a secure atmosphere where keys cannot be manipulated or compromised, similar to placing sensitive materials in an inert, protective environment.
Data Source
AI summary
A system described herein provide for the secure maintaining and providing of information, such as public keys used in Public Key Infrastructure (“PKI”) techniques or other techniques, using a secure distributed ledger (e.g., “blockchain”) system. A first entity may generate an asymmetric key pair that includes a public key and a private key, and may provide the public key, along with a key identifier, to a blockchain system for retrieval by multiple other entities. For example, the entities may be engaged in a secure group communication session, in which communications are encrypted and may be decrypted using one or more keys, including the public key. The other entities may identify the public key, as recorded to the blockchain system, based on the key identifier. Participants may be added to or removed from the secure group communication session.