Secure Electronic Data Transfer with Ephemeral Symmetric Keys

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing encryption systems for secure electronic data transfer face challenges in balancing data flexibility and security, as stored encryption keys are vulnerable to attacks and require costly and inefficient management protocols.

Innovation Solution

The system employs ephemeral symmetric keys generated from Key DNA, which are never stored on the broker device and are immediately deleted after use, ensuring secure and efficient data transfer without the need for intricate key management protocols.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If encryption keys are stored for long periods to enable data access, then data flexibility is improved, but security is worsened due to key vulnerability to attacks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata flexibilityVSAvoidsecurity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements ephemeral encryption keys that are generated for each data transfer session and automatically deleted after use. These short-lived keys replace traditional long-term stored keys, eliminating the security vulnerability of stored keys while maintaining data accessibility through on-demand key generation from Key DNA

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Reliability

If encryption keys are periodically deactivated and replaced to maintain security, then security is improved, but management cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesecurityVSAvoidkey management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements automatic key lifecycle management where ephemeral keys are self-generated from Key DNA, self-deleted after use, and automatically rotated without manual intervention. This eliminates the need for complex key management protocols, periodic deactivation procedures, and manual key replacement while maintaining continuous security

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements continuous key rotation through ephemeral key generation for each session, effectively making key replacement a periodic automatic process rather than a manual task. Keys are regenerated and deleted in regular cycles without human intervention, simplifying management while maintaining security

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Reliability

If key management systems are implemented to protect stored keys, then security is improved, but implementation complexity and maintenance cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesecurityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the vulnerable key storage component from the system by using ephemeral keys that never persist. Instead of implementing complex key management systems to protect stored keys, the solution removes the storage element entirely, keeping keys in memory only during active use and deleting them immediately afterward

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces Key DNA as an intermediary that enables secure key generation without storing actual encryption keys. Key DNA serves as a secure seed that can repeatedly generate ephemeral keys through cryptographic operations, eliminating the need for key storage while maintaining security and flexibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3918749B1System and method for secure electronic data transfer

Publication Date: 2025.10.29 KNECTIQ INC

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AI summary

Systems and methods for secure electronic data transfer utilizing an ephemeral key for encryption and decryption of data.