Product-Class Key Generation for Scalable Device Authorization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing device security architectures face inefficiencies in managing device-specific identifiers, particularly when dealing with large numbers of devices, as traditional PKI and keying systems struggle to manage device-specific identifiers and keys for classes of devices or services.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for generating secure identities and keys based on product class identifiers, using a root key and cryptographic functions to create unique keys for each product class, allowing management of services without tracking individual device keys.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If device-specific identifiers are tracked for every device in an ecosystem, then individual device security management is achieved, but system complexity and overhead increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges individual device identifiers with a root key through cryptographic binding to create a unified key structure. This allows the system to manage security at the device class level rather than tracking each individual device identifier separately, reducing overhead while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The root key serves multiple functions: it acts as a master key for generating device-specific keys, a binding agent for product class identifiers, and a foundation for cryptographic operations across entire device classes. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate tracking mechanisms for each device.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional PKI systems are used to manage keys for large numbers of devices, then individual device authorization is possible, but processing efficiency and scalability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the key management hierarchy into root keys at the device class level and derived keys at the individual device level. This segmentation allows efficient batch processing of device classes while maintaining individual device authorization capabilities, improving scalability.
Solution Approach 2:
The root key is pre-established and bound with product class identifiers before individual device provisioning. This preliminary action enables rapid derivation of device-specific keys without requiring complex real-time processing for each device, enhancing efficiency.
3Reliability
If unique keys are generated for each device, then individual device security is ensured, but key management overhead and computational resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service key derivation where device-specific keys are automatically generated from the root key and product class identifier through cryptographic functions. This eliminates the need for manual key provisioning and reduces computational overhead in key management operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter space by using product class identifiers as binding inputs rather than individual device identifiers. This parameter transformation reduces the complexity of key management while maintaining the security properties of unique device keys through deterministic derivation.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for key generation and device management are disclosed. A root key can be stored on a component which can be integrated with a device, and the component can store a product class identifier. The product class identifier can define a class of products, devices, features, hardware components, or other entities. One or more keys can be generated and stored on the devices based on the product class identifier and the root key. A network operator or service provider can then provide services to a class of devices that includes the device, or perform and manage other functions. The services can be authorized or otherwise implemented based on the one or more new keys stored at the devices within the class of devices.