PSK Key Distribution for Scalable IoT Device Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies face challenges in securely managing symmetric pre-shared keys (PSKs) for device authentication and communication in IoT, IIoT, and OT environments, particularly in resource-constrained devices, without relying on PKI systems or cumbersome manual methods, and lack scalable, automated solutions for key distribution and lifecycle management.
Innovation Solution
A key distribution service (KDS) generates, distributes, and manages symmetric pre-shared keys at scale, using DNS-based device authentication and domain validation, enabling secure communications without PKI-based digital certificates, and supports flexible deployment on-premises or in the cloud, with automated key lifecycle management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If PKI-based digital certificates and asymmetric keypairs are used for device authentication, then security is improved, but device complexity and operational costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex PKI certificate management burden from individual IoT/IIoT/OT devices and centralizes it in a cloud-based Key Distribution Service. Devices only need to store simple pre-shared keys rather than full certificate chains, eliminating the need for local certificate validation logic and reducing device complexity while maintaining security through centralized certificate authority validation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a cloud-based Key Distribution Service as an intermediary between the certificate authority and end devices. This mediator handles all certificate provisioning, validation, and key distribution operations, allowing devices to authenticate using simplified pre-shared keys while the intermediary manages the complex PKI infrastructure in the background.
2Ease of operation
If manual pre-shared key management methods are used, then implementation simplicity is improved, but scalability and security deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automated self-service key provisioning where devices automatically obtain their pre-shared keys from the cloud-based Key Distribution Service during manufacturing or onboarding. The system automatically generates, distributes, and rotates keys without manual intervention, enabling scalable deployment to billions of devices while maintaining simple operation through automated workflows.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary key generation and distribution actions during device manufacturing or initial onboarding. Pre-shared keys are provisioned in advance through automated processes that scale to billions of devices, eliminating the need for manual key management while ensuring security through centralized control and automated key rotation protocols.
3Reliability
If symmetric pre-shared keys are distributed to billions of devices, then secure communication is enabled, but key distribution and lifecycle management becomes extremely cumbersome and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cloud-based Key Distribution Service as an intermediary that centralizes all key lifecycle management operations. This service automatically generates, distributes, rotates, and revokes pre-shared keys for billions of devices through automated workflows, eliminating the need for manual key management while maintaining secure communication through centralized control and consistent key provisioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service automated key lifecycle management where the Key Distribution Service autonomously handles key generation, distribution, rotation, and revocation without human intervention. The system automatically manages the complete key lifecycle for billions of devices through scalable cloud-based processes, reducing operational complexity and costs while ensuring continuous secure communication.
4Reliability
If certificates are provisioned during manufacturing in air-gapped environments, then device security is improved, but production scalability and workflow efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary device identification and authentication setup during manufacturing without requiring actual cryptographic key provisioning. Devices are configured with device identifiers that enable later automated key provisioning from the cloud-based Key Distribution Service, allowing air-gapped manufacturing to proceed at full speed while security is established through subsequent automated key distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent prepares devices during manufacturing with placeholder identifiers and basic configuration that cushion against the need for immediate cryptographic provisioning. This preliminary setup allows devices to be manufactured and shipped efficiently, with secure key provisioning occurring automatically later through the cloud-based service, thus maintaining both security and production scalability.
5Reliability
If owner-issued operational certificates are provisioned during on-boarding, then device authentication is improved, but field scalability and workflow complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service automated authentication where devices automatically authenticate with the cloud-based Key Distribution Service during field onboarding using their device identifiers. The service automatically provisions pre-shared keys and configures security policies without requiring manual certificate issuance or complex field workflows, enabling scalable device onboarding while maintaining strong authentication through centralized automated processes.
Data Source
AI summary
The method provides an automated and scalable system for the generation, distribution, management of symmetric pre-shared keys (PSKs) to applications executing on headless and mobile devices. It helps achieve device protection, application security, and data protection with data authenticity and confidentiality in intra-device, inter-device, device-to-edge, and device-to-cloud communications. It helps Transport Layer Security (TLS) enabled applications dynamically acquire and renew PSKs and use identity hints for PSK based authentication ceremony during a TLS handshake. It helps client-server applications dynamically acquire and renew PSKs using keyed-hash message authentication code (HMAC) for data integrity and authenticity, content signing, and data encryption for confidentiality. It helps manage and distribute API shared secrets and API access tokens required for authenticated API requests and API security. It helps applications (producers, brokers, and consumers of content) with PSKs for supply chain tamper resistance. It helps real-time low-latency applications with selective encryption of partial messages.