Proxy Component for Cryptographic Agility in Legacy Applications
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional software applications lack a convenient mechanism for changing cryptographic algorithms without modifying the base code, making it time-consuming and difficult to address the dynamic nature of computing security and emerging threats, especially with the rise of quantum computing.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a cryptographic agility system that decouples cryptographic logic from applications, using a proxy component to dynamically select and configure cryptographic algorithms based on contextual information, such as security requirements, resource constraints, and policies, allowing for continuous updates without modifying the underlying applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If cryptographic algorithms are hard-coded into legacy applications, then the applications can maintain stable performance and compatibility, but they cannot adapt to new security threats and algorithm updates without code modification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cryptographic functionality from the legacy application by introducing a proxy component. The application code is divided into two independent parts: the legacy application itself and the cryptographic proxy. This segmentation allows the proxy to be updated independently with new algorithms while the legacy application remains unchanged, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a cryptographic proxy as an intermediary component between the legacy application and the cryptographic operations. This intermediary intercepts cryptographic calls from the application, dynamically selects appropriate algorithms based on contextual information, and executes the operations. The intermediary enables algorithm adaptability without requiring changes to the legacy application code.
2Reliability
If cryptographic algorithms are updated to address new security threats, then security level improves, but the update process becomes time-consuming and error-prone due to required code modifications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring multiple cryptographic algorithms and their selection criteria in the proxy component before security threats materialize. The proxy maintains a library of algorithms with associated metadata (security requirements, performance characteristics, applicable contexts). When a security update is needed, only the proxy configuration needs to be updated, not the entire application, significantly reducing update time and eliminating the need for error-prone code modifications.
3Reliability
If new cryptographic algorithms with higher security are adopted, then security strength increases, but resource requirements such as processing power and memory increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by enabling runtime selection of cryptographic algorithms based on contextual information such as security requirements, available resources, and operational conditions. The proxy component dynamically adjusts the cryptographic algorithm being used, allowing the system to switch between high-security algorithms when resources are abundant and more efficient algorithms when resources are constrained. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between security strength and resource consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by allowing the cryptographic algorithm parameters (algorithm type, key size, mode of operation) to be changed dynamically based on security requirements and resource availability. The proxy component modifies cryptographic parameters without changing the underlying application code, enabling the system to optimize the balance between security strength and computational resource consumption by selecting appropriate algorithm parameters for each operational context.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure provides an approach for cryptographic agility. Embodiments include establishing, by a proxy component associated with a cryptographic agility system, a first secure connection with an application. Embodiments include receiving, by the proxy component, via the first secure connection, a communication from the application directed to an endpoint. Embodiments include selecting, by the cryptographic agility system, a cryptographic technique based on contextual information related to the communication. Embodiments include establishing, by the proxy component, a second secure connection with the endpoint based on the cryptographic technique. Embodiments include transmitting, by the proxy component, a secure communication to the endpoint via the second secure connection based on the communication.