Quantum-Safe Symmetric Key Infrastructure for Post-Quantum Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current encryption solutions are not quantum-safe and rely on software-based post-quantum cryptography, which lacks proven security against quantum computers and has limited entropy.
Innovation Solution
A quantum-safe key infrastructure system using symmetric key devices and quantum key distribution (QKD) to generate and distribute encryption keys, integrated with key management systems and encryptors for secure data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If software-based post-quantum cryptography is used for encryption, then encryption functionality is provided, but security against quantum computers is not proven and entropy is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the encryption infrastructure into separate functional components: symmetric key devices for key generation, key management systems for secure storage and distribution, and encryptors for data protection. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, with symmetric key devices focusing on high-entropy key generation using quantum-safe methods while other components handle management and application tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces symmetric key devices as intermediary components that generate quantum-safe encryption keys using physical processes (such as quantum key distribution or high-entropy physical random number generators). These intermediary devices bridge the gap between untrusted software-based PQC solutions and the need for proven quantum-safe security, providing a hardware-based trust anchor.
2Reliability
If quantum key distribution is used to generate encryption keys, then quantum-safe security is achieved, but infrastructure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The symmetric key devices are designed as universal components that can serve multiple functions: generating keys via quantum key distribution, generating keys via physical random number generation, and providing keys to multiple encryptors and key management systems. This multi-functionality reduces overall infrastructure complexity by consolidating quantum-safe key generation capabilities in dedicated devices rather than requiring separate implementations in each system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service through automated key management where symmetric key devices automatically generate and distribute quantum-safe keys to encryptors and key management systems without manual intervention. The key management systems automatically retrieve, store, and distribute keys based on cryptographic policies, reducing operational complexity despite the advanced quantum-safe infrastructure.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Provides secure, quantum-resistant encryption keys for point-to-point and point-to-multi-point configurations, ensuring data security against quantum computers.
Implementation Method 1
A promising solution is to deploy Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), which exploits the laws of quantum mechanics to securely distribute secret truly random keys between authenticated users
Implementation Method 2
the first symmetric key device and the second symmetric key device are configured to generate a symmetric key; the first encryptor may be configured to receive data from a first server or application, to encrypt the data using the symmetric key
Implementation Method 3
the quantum-safe communication channel comprises a direct optical fiber connection
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for quantum-safe key infrastructures are disclosed. A method may include: (1) generating, by a first symmetric key device at a first location with a second symmetric key device at a second location, and over a symmetric key distribution channel, a symmetric key; (2) receiving, by a first encryptor at the first location, data from a first server or application; (3) encrypting, by the first encryptor, the data using the symmetric key; (4) communicating, by the first encryptor, the encrypted data to a second encryptor at the second location over a quantum-safe communication channel; (5) receiving, by the second encryptor, the symmetric key from the second symmetric key device; (6) decrypting, by the second encryptor, the encrypted data with the symmetric key; and (7) providing, by the second encryptor, the data to a second server or application.