RF Fingerprint Encryption Key Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional encryption key management systems are vulnerable to security attacks such as man-in-the-middle, phishing, and malware, compromising the security of encrypted data.
Innovation Solution
A cryptography system that utilizes a radio frequency (RF) fingerprint of a mobile device's signal to generate an encryption key for encrypting data and a corresponding decryption key for decrypting data, leveraging the unique RF fingerprint associated with the device to secure data access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional key management systems (such as Trusted Platform Module) are implemented to securely store encryption/decryption keys, then data protection is improved, but the system becomes vulnerable to security attacks such as man-in-the-middle, phishing, social engineering, and malware
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical/electronic key management systems (such as Trusted Platform Modules) with a radio frequency-based authentication system. Instead of relying on stored cryptographic keys that are vulnerable to malware and phishing, the system uses RF signals characteristics (time of flight, signal strength, frequency) to authenticate users, thereby substituting a vulnerable electronic key storage mechanism with a physics-based signal verification mechanism that is resistant to traditional cyber attacks
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces RF signals as an intermediary between the user and the data protection system. Rather than directly using encryption keys stored in key management systems, the system uses RF signal characteristics as an intermediate authentication mechanism. This intermediary layer prevents direct access to keys while still enabling secure authentication, thereby protecting against attacks that target key management systems
2Reliability
If encryption and/or decryption keys are used to protect data, then data security is improved, but the keys may still be acquired by unauthorized users to access encrypted information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the authentication function from the encryption key itself and separates it into a distinct RF-based verification mechanism. Instead of relying solely on cryptographic keys for both authentication and encryption, the system extracts authentication to a separate RF signal verification process, thereby removing the vulnerability where unauthorized users could acquire and misuse encryption keys
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary authentication using RF signal characteristics before allowing access to encryption keys or encrypted data. By verifying the user's device through RF fingerprinting (measuring time of flight, signal strength, frequency) before key release, the system ensures that even if keys are later compromised, unauthorized acquisition is prevented by the preliminary RF verification barrier
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the present disclosure include methods, apparatus, and computer readable medium for storing encrypted data including receiving a radio frequency signal and data to be encrypted, identifying a radio frequency fingerprint of the signal, generating a numerical representation of the radio frequency fingerprint, generating an encryption key using at least a portion of the representation, encrypting the data using the encryption key, and storing the encrypted data.