Secure Device Key Region Segmentation for Tamper-Proof Data Obliteration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for protecting sensitive information in secure systems face challenges such as tampering, unauthorized access, and incomplete data erasure, particularly in large storage volumes, where destruction is impractical, costly, or unreliable, and there is a need for secure key management and instant data obliteration.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for secure information processing systems that incorporate an integrated encryption device capable of self-generating encryption keys and physical destruction of key storage regions using controllable energy release, ensuring irreversible data destruction and secure key obliteration, with visual or electronic verification of destruction status.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical destruction of information containing regions is used to prevent unauthorized access, then security is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the secure device into distinct functional regions: an information containing region storing encrypted data and a separate key containing region storing decryption keys. This segmentation allows selective destruction of the key region to prevent unauthorized access without requiring destruction of the entire device, thereby improving security while reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the decryption key storage function from the main data storage system by creating a separate key containing region. This extracted key region can be independently destroyed via controllable energy release mechanisms, providing a targeted security measure that avoids the need to destroy the entire storage device, thus reducing complexity while maintaining security.
2Reliability
If complete physical destruction of storage devices is used to erase data, then data security is improved, but productivity and cost-effectiveness deteriorate due to impracticality for large volumes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the critical security function (decryption keys) into a separate destroyable region. When data erasure is needed, only the key containing region needs to be destroyed rather than the entire storage device. This dramatically improves productivity for large storage volumes while maintaining data security, as keys can be destroyed quickly and selectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-positioning controllable energy release mechanisms within the key containing region before any data breach attempt occurs. This allows immediate destruction of decryption keys upon detection of unauthorized access attempts, ensuring data security without requiring time-consuming complete device destruction, thereby improving productivity.
3Ease of operation
If encryption keys are stored externally for easy access, then ease of operation is improved, but security deteriorates due to vulnerability to tampering and unauthorized extraction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested structure where the key containing region is embedded within the secure device housing, surrounded by protective barriers and controllable energy release mechanisms. This nested design allows the keys to be securely stored within the device itself rather than externally, maintaining ease of operation through automated key management while dramatically improving security by making the keys inaccessible to external tampering attempts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by placing controllable energy release mechanisms and protective barriers around the key containing region before any unauthorized access attempt occurs. These pre-positioned protective measures automatically activate upon detection of tampering, cushioning against security threats and preventing unauthorized key extraction while maintaining normal operational ease for authorized users.
4Reliability
If multiple security layers are implemented to prevent tampering, then security is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple security functions into a unified key containing region structure that combines encrypted data storage, decryption key storage, and controllable energy release mechanisms into a single integrated component. This merging reduces manufacturing complexity compared to implementing separate physical security layers, while maintaining comprehensive security through the combined functionality of the integrated region.
Solution Approach 2:
The key containing region serves multiple security functions simultaneously: it stores decryption keys, provides tamper detection capability, contains controllable energy release mechanisms for automated key destruction, and acts as a physical barrier to unauthorized access. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple separate security components, thereby improving ease of manufacture while maintaining high security standards.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution provides immediate and irreversible data destruction, secure key management, and tamper-proof protection of sensitive information, even in large storage volumes, ensuring that encrypted data remains unrecoverable without the destroyed key, thus enhancing security and reducing risks of data breaches.
Implementation Method 1
controlled obliteration of the information by physical destruction of the information containing regions of the secured elements
Implementation Method 2
self-generation of at least one encryption key within the internal operation of the secure system (from thermal random noise for example)
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention considers an apparatus for prevention of tampering, unauthorized use, and unauthorized extraction of information from at least one secure system including at least one information device arranged to process information, at least one integrated encryption segment arranged to encrypt the information using at least one encryption process enabled by a set of encryption key information incorporated in at least one secure information storage of the at least one information device, at least one destruction driver arranged to initiate and support at least one controllable energy release in a proximity of the at least one secure information storage of the at least one information device incorporating the set of encryption key information, such that at least fraction of the set of encryption key information has been obliterated during the controllable energy discharge.