Recovery Key Rotation for Encrypted Data Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of encrypted volumes face challenges when they forget security codes or when security codes fall into unauthorized hands, leading to inaccessible data and potential unauthorized access.
Innovation Solution
A recovery key system is implemented, where a machine determines if a recovery key has been disclosed and generates a new key if necessary, storing it in a recovery store while deleting old keys, ensuring secure access and protection of encrypted data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a recovery key is disclosed to allow data access, then legitimate stakeholders can access encrypted data, but unauthorized users may also gain access to the data
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically generating a new recovery key when the current key is disclosed, before the disclosed key can be used for unauthorized access. The machine monitors disclosure status and proactively generates replacement keys, storing them in the recovery store prior to any potential malicious use.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the disclosure status of recovery keys. When disclosure is detected, the system receives feedback about the compromised key state and automatically triggers key generation and rotation procedures, creating a closed-loop security response mechanism.
2Reliability
If multiple recovery keys are stored for redundancy, then data accessibility is improved, but the complexity of key management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically managing the recovery key lifecycle without user intervention. The machine monitors disclosure status, generates new keys, stores them in the recovery store, and deletes old keys autonomously, eliminating the need for manual key management while maintaining redundancy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system discards compromised or outdated recovery keys after automatically generating and storing new replacement keys in the recovery store. This automated discarding of old keys prevents accumulation of unnecessary key management complexity while maintaining access through the newest valid keys.
3Reliability
If recovery keys are automatically rotated when disclosed, then security is improved, but the time required for key generation and storage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary key generation actions immediately upon detecting disclosure, before any unauthorized access can occur. By proactively generating and storing the new key in the recovery store as part of the disclosure response protocol, the system minimizes the time window where security is compromised.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the subject matter described herein relate to disclosing recovery keys. In aspects, when a recovery key is disclosed, data is updated to indicate that the recovery key has been disclosed. A machine that has locked data may determine whether a recovery key for the locked data has been disclosed and whether a new key needs to be generated for the locked data. If a new key needs to be generated for the locked data, the machine may generate the new key and send it to a recovery store for storage. In addition, old keys that protect the locked data may be deleted after the new key has been generated and stored.