Reconfigurable Physical Uncloneable Function for Dynamic Data Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Physical Uncloneable Functions (PUFs) are inadequate in securing dynamic memory, such as checksums and updatable cryptographic keys, as they lack sufficient security against high-level attackers and are vulnerable to reset attacks, especially when implemented in integrated circuits.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigurable PUF (RPUF) is implemented using physical components like molecules or polymeric chains, which can be reconfigured through external actions like stress, laser light, or heat, allowing for secure storage and authentication of dynamic data by generating new responses that can be translated back to original responses, enhancing security by using translation data and XOR masks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a PUF is used to store dynamic information, then security against copying is improved, but the ability to update and manage dynamic data (checksums, counters, cryptographic keys) deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Dynamics principle by making the PUF reconfigurable through external stimuli. The physical system's response characteristics can be dynamically changed by applying stress, laser light, or heat, enabling the same PUF to generate different response sequences. This allows the system to update cryptographic keys, counters, and checksums while maintaining the uncloneable security property of the original PUF.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a programmable register is used to store PUF values, then reconfiguration capability is improved, but security against reading and resetting attacks deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electrical/programmable register system with a physical system that responds to external stimuli. Instead of storing values in vulnerable electronic registers, the system uses physical properties (stress, optical, thermal) to encode and retrieve values. This substitution eliminates the attack surface of readable electronic memory while maintaining reconfiguration capability through physical means that are harder to probe and reset.
3Reliability
If static memory is secured directly by using a PUF, then security is improved, but the ability to provide dynamic security functions (counters, checksums, updatable keys) deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Universality principle by designing a single reconfigurable PUF system that can perform multiple security functions. By changing the physical state of the PUF through external stimuli, the same device can generate different response sequences used for cryptographic keys, counters, checksums, and other dynamic security functions, replacing the need for separate static PUF instances for each function.
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
The RPUF provides secure and tamper-resistant storage for dynamic data, effectively securing counters, checksums, and cryptographic keys, while preventing attacks by ensuring that keys are automatically destroyed upon reconfiguration, thus enhancing digital security and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
A reconfigurable PUF (RPUF) is implemented using physical components like molecules or polymeric chains, which can be reconfigured through external actions like stress, laser light, or heat
Implementation Method 2
A reconfigurable PUF (RPUF) is implemented using physical components like molecules or polymeric chains, which can be reconfigured through external actions like stress, laser light, or heat
Implementation Method 3
A reconfigurable PUF (RPUF) is implemented using physical components like molecules or polymeric chains, which can be reconfigured through external actions like stress, laser light, or heat
Data Source
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AI summary
This invention relates to a method and system for providing digital security by means of a reconfigurable physical uncloneable function, RPUF. The RPUF comprises a physical system constituted by distributed components arranged to generate a first response when receiving a first challenge at a point of the physical system. The physical reconfiguring of the RPUFcomprises redistributing the components such that they generate a second response, which differs from said first response, when again applying the first challenge at the point. The reconfiguration step is further utilized in providing secure storage for digital items. The digital item is data of any kind, including data that needs to be accessed and updated, i.e. which is dynamic in nature. The method is exemplified by implementations such as secure storage of a key, a secure counter and a seed generator.