Removable Control Circuitry Encryption for Data Storage Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Digital storage of media content poses challenges for copyright holders as it allows for easy unauthorized copying and distribution, compromising the legitimate market for copyrighted material.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a data storage device with control circuitry that uses an encrypted security key and digital signatures to lock content, ensuring only the original control circuitry can access and decrypt the data, preventing unauthorized access and copying by mismatched circuitry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If digital storage of media content is implemented, then storage capacity and accessibility are improved, but unauthorized copying and distribution increase
Solution Approach 1:
The security system is segmented into multiple layers: a root key stored in the control circuitry, session keys stored on the storage media, and individual content encryption. This segmentation ensures that even if one layer is compromised, other layers maintain security, preventing unauthorized copying while preserving storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
Encryption keys act as intermediaries between the storage media and the control circuitry. The root key in the control circuitry encrypts session keys that are stored on the media, creating a secure intermediary layer that prevents direct access to content without authorization.
2Ease of repair
If control circuitry is made replaceable, then ease of repair and upgrades are improved, but security against unauthorized access deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary security actions by storing the root key in the original control circuitry and using it to encrypt session keys on the storage media before any replacement occurs. This preliminary encryption ensures that even if control circuitry is replaced, the security mechanism remains intact.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the control circuitry checks the digital signature on the storage media against its own root key before allowing access. This feedback loop ensures that only authorized control circuitry can access the data, maintaining security while allowing replaceability.
3Reliability
If encryption keys are stored on storage media, then data protection is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different encryption keys are stored at different locations with different security characteristics: the root key is stored in the control circuitry (more secure location), while session keys are stored on the storage media (less secure location). This local quality differentiation optimizes the balance between protection and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The encryption system uses a nested structure where the root key encrypts session keys, which in turn encrypt individual content. This nested encryption approach provides strong data protection while managing complexity through hierarchical organization of security layers.
Data Source
AI summary
A device comprises a data storage media storing data content and a digital signature. At least a portion of the digital signature is encrypted on the data storage media. The device also includes a removable control circuitry including a unique key. If the unique key corresponds to the encrypted portion of the digital signature, the removable control circuitry allows access to the data content. If the unique key does not correspond to the encrypted portion of the digital signature, the removable control circuitry prevents access to the data content. Embodiments of the invention may be useful to prevent a user from accessing the data content without the original control circuitry used to write the data content. For example, embodiments of the invention may prevent a user from using a different control circuitry that would readily allow unauthorized copying and distribution of the data content.