Security Module Self-Signed Certificate Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for generating device-specific device certificates for electronic devices, such as IoT devices, often require a central PKI and preconfiguration, which can be complex and insecure, especially when dealing with multiple devices from different manufacturers.
Innovation Solution
A security device, such as a hardware security module, generates a unique device-specific digital certificate by encoding device-specific identification information, using a one-time signing key that can only be used once, eliminating the need for a central PKI and preconfiguration, and ensuring the authenticity of the device certificate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a central PKI is used to generate device certificates, then device authentication can be achieved, but the system complexity and security risks increase due to preconfiguration requirements and centralized management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the certificate authority functionality from a centralized PKI system and embeds it directly into individual devices through security modules. Each device generates its own self-signed certificate using an integrated CA, eliminating the need for external certificate management infrastructure and reducing system complexity while maintaining authentication reliability
Solution Approach 2:
Devices perform self-authentication by generating their own certificates using built-in security modules that contain embedded CA functionality. The device independently creates and manages its own digital certificate without requiring external PKI infrastructure, achieving reliability through self-service while reducing system complexity
2Reliability
If security modules are integrated into devices, then device-specific authentication is possible, but additional security configuration and management overhead is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the security module, certificate authority, and device identification functionality into a single integrated system. The security module contains both the device's private key and an embedded CA that can issue certificates, combining multiple security functions into one component to simplify configuration and management while maintaining device-specific authentication
Solution Approach 2:
The security module serves multiple functions: it stores device identification data, generates device-specific private keys, acts as an embedded CA for certificate issuance, and provides secure storage for certificates. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate configuration steps for each security function, easing operational complexity
3Reliability
If device certificates are generated with centralized PKI, then certificate validity can be verified, but the process requires trained personnel and preconfigured security infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
Devices perform self-verification of certificate validity using the embedded CA's public key stored in the security module. The device can independently verify its own certificate and communicate verification capability to other devices, eliminating the need for trained personnel or centralized verification infrastructure while maintaining reliability through cryptographic verification
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple devices from different manufacturers are secured, then device uniqueness can be maintained, but consistent security implementation across manufacturers becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The security module implements a universal security architecture that works across different device types and manufacturers. The embedded CA and standardized certificate generation process provide consistent security implementation, while the device-specific identification data maintains uniqueness. This universal design allows any manufacturer to integrate the same security module into their devices, ensuring consistent security without sacrificing device individuality
Data Source
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AI summary
Method for generating a device-specific device certificate (18, 18a - 18c) for a device (1, 1a - 1c), comprising: coupling (S1) a security device (2) with the device (1, 1a - 1c), wherein a one-time-use private signing key (3) is stored in the security device; storing (S2) a device-specific identification information (21, 21a - 21c) in the security device (2); accessing (S3) the private signing key (3) in the security device (2); generating (S4) the device-specific device certificate (18, 18a - 18c) depending on the stored identification information (21, 21a - 21c) in the security device (2), wherein the device-specific device certificate (18, 18a - 18c) is signed with the private signing key (3); and preventing (S5) further access to the private signing key (3).Furthermore, a security device for carrying out the procedure and a security system comprising the security device and the device are proposed. Using the described procedure and security device, a device-specific device certificate (18, 18a - 18c) for a device (1, 1a - 1c) can be generated with minimal effort, in particular without using a public key infrastructure.