TPM-Based Data Integrity Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for ensuring data integrity during transmission are vulnerable to dishonest actors who can alter or fake data, as they can steal encryption keys or impersonate legitimate sources, especially when private keys are not securely stored or hardware authentication devices are removable.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a trusted platform module (TPM) to encrypt and decrypt private keys, ensuring that only the TPM can decrypt and sign data, making it impossible for dishonest actors to impersonate the source, as the TPM is securely integrated into the system and not removable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If private keys are stored in removable hardware authentication devices, then data integrity verification is enabled, but security is compromised due to key theft or impersonation risks
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the cryptographic functions by separating key generation, storage, and usage. The TPM generates and securely stores private keys in an isolated environment, while the processor handles data processing. This segmentation prevents unauthorized access to private keys while maintaining data integrity verification capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The TPM acts as an intermediary between the processor and the data integrity verification process. It securely holds private keys and performs cryptographic operations without exposing the keys to the processor or external systems. This intermediary role eliminates the security vulnerability of storing keys in removable devices while preserving verification functionality.
2Ease of operation
If encryption keys are stored in software or removable devices, then ease of operation is improved, but security is deteriorated due to vulnerability to theft and impersonation
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the system into a secure component (TPM) and a non-secure component (processor). The TPM provides protected key storage and cryptographic operations, while the processor handles general data processing. This segmentation enables secure key management without compromising operational ease, as the TPM can be accessed through standardized interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The TPM serves as a secure intermediary that handles all cryptographic operations. Applications can request cryptographic services from the TPM without needing to access private keys directly. This intermediary approach maintains ease of operation for applications while eliminating security vulnerabilities associated with key exposure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If private keys are made accessible for data processing, then operational flexibility is improved, but security is worsened due to potential key compromise
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments cryptographic operations from general data processing by using the TPM as a dedicated security module. The TPM handles key management and cryptographic operations in an isolated environment, while the processor handles data processing tasks. This segmentation maintains operational flexibility for data processing while ensuring key security through physical and logical isolation.
Solution Approach 2:
The TPM acts as an intermediary that provides cryptographic services to the processor without exposing private keys. The processor can perform various data processing operations with the assurance that cryptographic operations are handled securely by the TPM. This intermediary relationship enables operational flexibility while maintaining key security.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides for a system ensuring the integrity of received data. The system includes a processor, a trusted platform module, and a memory storing instructions. Upon a request from the processor, the trusted platform module generates an asymmetric key pair including a private key and a public key. The trusted platform module provides the public key and an encrypted private key to the processor. The processor generates a checksum of received content data and sends the checksum to the trusted platform module. The processor also loads the encrypted private key into the trusted platform module. The trusted platform module decrypts the encrypted private key, encrypts the checksum with the private key, and provides the encrypted checksum to the processor. The processor sends the content data together with the encrypted checksum to an external device. The external device may decrypt the encrypted checksum with the public key.