Secure Radio Data Transfer via Asymmetric Key Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for secure data transfer from one radio communication device to another, especially when overseen by a third party, are inadequate as they lack robust protection against unauthorized access, particularly in scenarios like device servicing where user data may be exposed to untrusted personnel.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the generation of a symmetric key at the first radio communication device for encrypting user data, which is then encrypted with a third party's public key and sent to a second device, where it is decrypted using a secret key from a security device connected to the second device, ensuring secure transfer through additional authorization verification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If software scrambling is used to protect user data during transfer, then basic protection against unauthorized access is provided, but the protection is weak and easily broken
Solution Approach 1:
The encryption system is segmented into multiple independent components: symmetric key generation at the first device, asymmetric key pair generation at the second device, separate encryption of data and keys, and distributed storage of cryptographic materials. This segmentation creates a multi-layered security architecture that is significantly more resistant to breaking while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces asymmetric cryptography (public-key encryption) to complement symmetric encryption. The second device generates a key pair where the public key is used for encrypting the symmetric key during transfer, while the private key remains securely stored at the second device. This asymmetric mechanism provides strong protection against unauthorized access during transfer without requiring complex key management at the transmitting device.
2Reliability
If strong encryption methods are implemented to secure user data, then unauthorized access is prevented, but the data transfer process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The second device performs preliminary actions by generating its asymmetric key pair before the data transfer begins. The public key is made available to the first device in advance, allowing the first device to encrypt the symmetric key with this pre-established public key. This preliminary setup simplifies the actual data transfer process, as the encryption mechanism is already in place and does not require complex real-time key exchange protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the first device encrypts the symmetric key with the second device's public key before transmission. This intermediary encryption layer acts as a mediator that protects the symmetric key during transfer without requiring direct secure communication channels between the devices. The public key serves as an intermediary that enables secure key transmission without exposing the symmetric key to unauthorized access.
3Ease of operation
If user data is transferred through a servicing device overseen by a second party, then data recovery is enabled, but unauthorized access by servicing personnel becomes possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by encrypting the user data with a symmetric key that is itself encrypted with the second device's public key before the data even reaches the servicing device. This pre-encryption creates a protective barrier that prevents servicing personnel from accessing the plaintext data or the symmetric key during the transfer process. The encryption is established in advance, counteracting the potential harmful factor of unauthorized access before it can occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the presence of the servicing device, which could be a security risk, into a benefit by using the second device's asymmetric key pair as the foundation for secure encryption. The servicing device's infrastructure is leveraged to enable secure key exchange and data protection. The potential harm of having third-party access is transformed into the benefit of having a trusted second device that provides cryptographic protection throughout the transfer process.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention concerns secure data transfer from a first radio communication device of a first party to a second radio communication device. A random first symmetric key is generated at the first terminal device. User data of the first terminal device is encrypted with the first symmetric key. The first symmetric key is encrypted with a public key of a third party. The encrypted first symmetric key is sent from the first terminal device to the second terminal device via a transfer device. The encrypted first symmetric key is decrypted at the second terminal device by utilizing a secret key associated with the public key and comprised in a security device of the third party. The encrypted user data is sent from the first terminal device to the second terminal device via the transfer device. The encrypted user data is decrypted at the second terminal device with the first symmetric key.