Private Key Signing Isolation for Insecure Distributed Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

Insecure data processing systems in distributed systems face risks of undesired dissemination of private keys, compromising the security of signature-based command and control mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A security device is used to manage private key security by obtaining data structures for signing, presenting them to users for authorization, and generating signatures without exposing the private key, thus maintaining its secrecy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If private keys are stored in insecure data processing systems for signature generation, then signature-based command and control operations can be performed, but the private keys are at risk of undesired dissemination and security compromise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity of private keysVSAvoidsignature generation capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the signature generation process into two distinct components: a secure element that stores the private key and performs signing operations, and an insecure data processing system that handles data processing. This segmentation isolates the private key in a protected environment while still enabling signature operations through controlled interaction between the two components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The secure element acts as an intermediary between the insecure data processing system and the private key. It receives data structures from the insecure system, performs the signing operation using the protected private key, and returns signatures without exposing the private key itself. This intermediary role prevents direct access to the private key while maintaining operational capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If private keys are made accessible for signing operations, then signature generation is enabled, but the risk of unauthorized dissemination increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignature generationVSAvoidunauthorized dissemination of private keys

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies preliminary anti-action by implementing security measures before any potential harm can occur. The private key is pre-protected through secure element storage and access controls, and the signing process is pre-configured to prevent extraction or unauthorized copying of the key. This proactive protection prevents unauthorized dissemination before it can happen.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of making the private key itself transferable or persistent outside the secure element, the system uses disposable signatures as the output. Each signature is a self-contained, verifiable token that can be freely transmitted without risking the private key's security. The signature serves its purpose and can be discarded, while the private key remains permanently protected.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Data Source

PatentUS12574211B2Personal private key encryption device

Publication Date: 2026.03.10 DELL PROD LP

AI summary

Methods and systems for managing the security of private keys in a distributed system are disclosed. The distributed system may include insecure data processing systems that utilize signatures generated using private keys. The private keys may be subject to undesired dissemination if obtained by the insecure data processing systems. To improve the security of the private keys, a security device may be utilized. The security device may facilitate review and signing of data structures to obtain signatures without disclosure of private keys to insecure data processing systems.