Self-Correcting Secure Computer System Memory Management
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current secure computer systems are vulnerable to persistent attacks due to the execution of operating systems from persistent memory, which is resource-intensive and time-consuming to verify, and encryption keys are susceptible to reverse-engineering if certain aspects of the encryption process are known.
Innovation Solution
A self-correcting secure computer system that loads a trusted operating system configuration from read-only memory (ROM) into volatile random access memory (RAM) during boot, automatically erases volatile memory upon shutdown or reboot, and disconnects from networks before accessing persistent storage or encryption protocols to prevent data exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If the operating system is executed from persistent memory, then the system can maintain data across power cycles, but the system becomes vulnerable to persistent attacks and verification becomes resource-intensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides memory into persistent memory (for long-term storage) and volatile memory (for active execution). The operating system is stored in persistent memory but loaded into volatile memory for execution, separating the storage function from the execution function to enable security verification while maintaining data persistence.
Solution Approach 2:
Volatile memory acts as an intermediary between persistent memory and the processor. The operating system is transferred from persistent memory through volatile memory to the processor for execution, allowing security checks to be performed on the intermediate copy without exposing the persistent storage to attacks.
2Reliability
If the operating system is verified for integrity before execution, then security is improved, but the process becomes resource-intensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs integrity verification of the operating system during the boot process before execution begins. By verifying the operating system image from persistent memory into volatile memory beforehand, the system ensures security is established prior to system operation, preventing attacks during runtime.
Solution Approach 2:
The operating system is copied from persistent memory to volatile memory for verification and execution. This creates a separate, verifiable copy that can be checked for integrity without modifying or exposing the original persistent storage, enabling efficient security verification.
3Adaptability or versatility
If encryption keys are stored in memory for access, then operational flexibility is improved, but the keys become susceptible to reverse-engineering if encryption process details are known
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts and removes volatile memory contents that contain encryption keys and process information upon shutdown. By clearing the volatile memory where keys are temporarily stored and processed, the system prevents reverse-engineering attacks while maintaining the ability to access keys during operational periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the state of memory from volatile (during operation) to cleared (during shutdown). By dynamically changing the persistence parameter of memory contents based on operational state, the system enables key accessibility during use while preventing exposure during non-operational periods.
4Reliability
If volatile memory is automatically erased upon shutdown, then security is improved by preventing persistent attacks, but data loss occurs and system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements automatic erasure of volatile memory contents upon shutdown without requiring external intervention. The memory management subsystem automatically clears volatile memory when the system enters shutdown state, providing self-service security that prevents persistent attacks while minimizing user burden.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs periodic clearing of volatile memory at defined intervals (shutdown, reboot, sleep transitions). By implementing regular, automated clearance cycles synchronized with system state changes, the system maintains security without requiring continuous manual intervention or complex real-time monitoring.
Data Source
AI summary
A self-correcting secure computer system is provided. The computer system includes a read-only memory (ROM) device, a random access memory (RAM) device, and at least one processor in communication with the ROM device and the RAM device. The at least one processor is programmed to receive an activation signal; retrieve, from the ROM device, data to execute an operating system; execute, on the RAM device, the operating system based on the data from the ROM device; receive a clear RAM signal; end execution of the operating system on the RAM device; and depower the RAM device such that all data on the RAM device is deleted.