Automated Server Configuration Propagation via Public-Key Encryption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Managing and updating digital certificates across a server cluster is challenging due to geographical dispersion, varying operating systems, and different applications, requiring a secure and efficient method for propagating new certificates and private keys.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system that uses public-key encryption to securely update digital certificates and private keys across a server cluster, where a first computing device encrypts the updated configuration with a target server's public key and the target server decrypts it using its private key, allowing for automated and secure propagation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual copying of digital certificate and private key is used to propagate configuration to each server, then the configuration can be updated on each server, but the process is time-consuming and insecure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical manual copying process with an automated electronic keypair-based encryption system. The source server automatically generates encryption keys, encrypts the configuration data, and transmits it electronically to target servers, eliminating the need for physical media and manual intervention while improving both security and efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The source server autonomously performs the entire configuration propagation process without human intervention. It automatically generates keypairs, encrypts the digital certificate and private key, transmits the encrypted data to target servers, and verifies successful propagation, making the system self-servicing and eliminating time-consuming manual operations
2Ease of operation
If manual copying using flash drive is used, then configuration can be transferred, but the transfer method may be compromised and insecure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical flash drive transfer method with an electronic keypair-based encryption system. The source server generates asymmetric encryption keys, encrypts the configuration data with the target server's public key, and transmits it electronically, eliminating physical media entirely while maintaining operational simplicity and enhancing security
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces cryptographic keypairs as an intermediary mechanism between the source and target servers. The encryption keys act as a secure mediator that enables safe transmission of sensitive configuration data without requiring direct physical contact or trusted physical media, thus simplifying the process while improving security
3Productivity
If automated propagation is implemented, then time and complexity are reduced, but encryption and decryption processes are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal keypair-based encryption mechanism that can be applied to any target server regardless of its specific configuration or location. The same encryption approach works across heterogeneous servers, geographical distributions, and different applications, making the automated propagation system broadly applicable while maintaining manageable complexity through standardization
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach ensures secure and efficient propagation of digital certificates and private keys across disparate servers, reducing complexity and time, and allows for updates even in inaccessible networks, enhancing security and reducing manual intervention.
Implementation Method 1
encrypting, at the first computing device, the updated configuration using the first public key
Implementation Method 2
decrypting, at the target computing device, the encrypted configuration using a first private key associated with the target computing device
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are disclosed to automate secure propagation of a configuration to a plurality of servers in a server cluster. For example, the techniques may include a method. The method may include receiving, at a first computing device, a first public key associated with a target computing device, the first computing device having an updated configuration. The method may further include encrypting, at the first computing device, the updated configuration using the first public key. The method may further include sending the encrypted configuration to the target computing device. The method may further include decrypting, at the target computing device, the encrypted configuration using a first private key associated with the target computing device, wherein the first public key and the first private key are a first keypair associated with the target computing device. The method may further include updating the target computing device with the updated configuration.