Secure Key Storage Device with One-Way Link
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for secure private key storage in PKI environments are vulnerable to attacks, particularly for Certificate Authorities (CAs), where unauthorized access to root private keys can compromise the entire infrastructure, affecting millions of users, and existing solutions fail to balance security with timely access requirements.
Innovation Solution
A cryptographic key storage device with a one-way communication link, tamper-resistant design, and manual operator interaction ensures secure storage and timely access to CA root private keys, using a key storage device with a processor, CRL storage, timer, and cryptographic engines to manage and sign certificates and CRLs, while preventing unauthorized access through a one-way transmitter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If private keys are stored in software-based encryption or standard hardware devices, then accessibility and ease of operation are improved, but security is worsened due to vulnerabilities in host operating systems and software control
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the key management functionality into separate components: a secure key storage device that stores private keys in isolated memory, an intermediate device that handles communication, and a host system that operates normally. The private keys are segmented from the operational software environment, stored in dedicated secure memory that cannot be accessed by the host operating system or applications, thus providing both security and controlled accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediate device is introduced as a mediator between the secure key storage device and the host system. This intermediary handles all communication and operations involving private keys, preventing direct access by potentially compromised host software while maintaining operational functionality. The intermediate device verifies and controls all interactions with the secure storage, ensuring security without sacrificing accessibility.
2Reliability
If CA root private keys are stored with high security measures, then security is improved, but access speed and productivity are worsened due to restricted access requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring the secure key storage device with the CA root private keys before they are needed for operations. The device is pre-loaded with necessary cryptographic algorithms and security parameters. This preliminary preparation allows the device to quickly process signing operations once activated, maintaining high security while improving access speed and operational productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The secure key storage device is designed to be self-contained and self-operating, with its own processor, memory, and cryptographic engines. It independently performs signing operations using stored private keys without requiring external intervention or access to the host system. This self-service capability ensures that even with restricted access, the device can quickly and autonomously complete cryptographic operations, maintaining both security and productivity.
3Reliability
If hardware-based cryptography devices are used, then security is improved, but vulnerability to software attacks is worsened because the devices are still controlled via software
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts the private keys from the software-controlled environment and places them in a physically isolated secure storage device. The keys are taken out of the host system's memory and processing environment, stored in dedicated secure memory within the key storage device that cannot be accessed by host software or operating systems. This extraction eliminates the vulnerability to software attacks while maintaining the hardware-based security advantages.
Solution Approach 2:
The system moves key storage from the software dimension to a physical hardware dimension with separate security boundaries. The secure key storage device operates in a different dimensional space - a physically isolated environment with its own security perimeter, independent of the host software environment. This dimensional separation creates a new layer of security that is immune to software-based attacks affecting the host system.
Data Source
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AI summary
The systems, methods and apparatuses described herein provide a computing environment that manages private key storage. An apparatus according to the present disclosure may comprise a first non- volatile storage for storing a private root key for signing digital certificates, an input device for receiving manual input from an operator, a communication interface consisting of a one-way transmitter for transmitting information from the apparatus, and a processor. The processor may be configured to retrieve the private root key from the first non-volatile storage, receive information for a new digital certificate through the input device, generate the new digital certificate according to the received information, sign the new digital certificate using the private root key and transmit the new digital certificate from the apparatus using the transmitter.