Secure Element Arrays for Remote IoT Edge Updates
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Solution Overview
Problem
IoT edge devices often lack processing resources and security capabilities, necessitating manual software updates due to limited network connections, which is time-consuming and raises security concerns when key material is stored externally.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an array of secure elements integrated with or attached to a PACS controller, enabling remote software updates and secure processing, while ensuring key material is stored within a secure perimeter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If key material is stored externally on edge devices, then security capabilities are improved, but security risks increase due to physical location constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the secure element from the edge device and places it in a remote location. The secure element is a separate physical device that can be securely stored in a controlled environment, while the edge device continues to function without housing sensitive cryptographic materials. This separation eliminates the security risk of storing key material in physically vulnerable locations while maintaining security capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a secure element as an intermediary between the edge device and the key material storage. This intermediary component provides secure cryptographic operations and key management, acting as a mediator that allows the edge device to perform secure processing without directly housing the sensitive materials. The secure element communicates with the edge device through established interfaces while maintaining physical and logical separation.
2Reliability
If software updates are performed manually on edge devices, then security concerns are addressed, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the secure element to perform self-updates through remote provisioning. The secure element can receive software updates, firmware upgrades, and cryptographic material updates remotely without requiring physical access or manual intervention. This self-service capability allows the device to maintain and update its security functions autonomously, eliminating the need for technicians to visit each edge device for updates while maintaining high security standards.
3Adaptability or versatility
If edge devices have limited network connections, then resource constraints are reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates due to manual update requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a gateway or intermediary device that facilitates communication between the secure element and the network. This intermediary handles the complexity of network connections, authentication, and data transmission, allowing the resource-constrained secure element to perform updates without requiring direct network access or complex communication protocols. The intermediary manages the network interface and translates between different communication protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The secure element is designed to autonomously manage its software update process, including receiving update packages, verifying their integrity, and installing them without external intervention. This self-service approach to software maintenance allows the device to operate effectively despite limited network connectivity, as updates can be performed asynchronously when connectivity is available without requiring manual initiation or supervision.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for providing secure execution of functions for edge devices include a plurality of edge devices, a controller, and an array of secure elements. The edge devices are each configured to obtain data for an application of the system. The controller is connected to communicate with the edge devices to receive the data from each of the edge devices. The array of secure elements is connected to the controller, and each secure element executes functions using the data received from the edge devices. The controller associates an identified secure element of the array of secure elements with a respective edge device to execute the functions for data received from the respective edge device, and the controller is connected to communicate a result of the executed functions to the respective edge device.