Secure Device Configuration via Digital Signature Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing setup processes for electronic devices are time-consuming and require manual configuration through multiple setup screens, making it inefficient for large-scale deployment.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for importing and exporting device parameters that involves generating manufacturer and client keys, signing these keys, and verifying signatures to automate the setup process securely across multiple commodities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual configuration through setup screens is used, then each device can be configured individually, but the setup process takes much time for large numbers of devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses template configurations that can be copied and applied to multiple devices simultaneously. Instead of manually configuring each device individually through setup screens, administrators can create a master configuration template and replicate it across numerous devices, dramatically reducing setup time while maintaining configuration consistency and accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements pre-configured templates that are prepared in advance before actual device deployment. Configuration parameters, settings, and policies are predetermined and stored as reusable templates, allowing rapid deployment to multiple devices without requiring on-site manual configuration for each device.
2Productivity
If automated setup is implemented, then setup time is reduced, but security risks increase without proper authentication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces certificate authorities and digital certificates as intermediaries between the automated setup system and devices. These cryptographic credentials act as trusted mediators that verify the authenticity of configuration sources and devices, enabling automated bulk configuration while maintaining security through cryptographic authentication rather than manual verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-provisioning capabilities where devices can automatically authenticate themselves and receive appropriate configurations without manual intervention. Devices present their digital certificates for authentication, and the system automatically provisions them with relevant configuration templates based on their identity and policy requirements, maintaining both security and automation.
3Productivity
If configuration templates are used for multiple devices, then setup time is reduced, but flexibility to customize individual devices is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments configuration templates into hierarchical levels with different degrees of customization. Master templates provide standardized base configurations for consistency, while allowing device-specific overrides and customizations at lower hierarchy levels. This segmentation enables bulk configuration efficiency while preserving the ability to customize individual devices when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic configuration templates that can adapt to individual device characteristics and requirements. The system evaluates device attributes, policies, and contexts to automatically adjust template parameters, enabling a single template to serve multiple devices with different customization needs without requiring separate manual configuration for each device.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for importing and exporting configurations including: generating a public key and a private key of a manufacturer; generating a certificate of the manufacturer; storing the certificate of the manufacturer in each of the products; and signing a public key by using the private key of the manufacturer to generate a signature of the manufacturer; wherein the products receive the certificate of the manufacturer, at least one configuration and a signature of a customer which is generated by signing the at least one configuration by using a private key of the customer, and wherein each product verifies the signature of the manufacturer in accordance with the stored certificate of the manufacturer, verifies the signature of the customer in accordance with the certificate of the manufacturer, and applies the at least one configuration when authenticated. A system for importing and exporting configurations is also provided.