Transfer Encryption Key Rollover Across Untrusted Networks
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems face challenges in securely transferring encryption keys between computing systems across untrusted networks without exposing the keys to unauthorized entities, particularly in scenarios where a cloud service is involved, necessitating frequent key changes to mitigate security risks like man-in-the-middle attacks.
Innovation Solution
An automated mechanism for changing transfer encryption keys among multiple computing systems, where one system encrypts the new key with the old key, allowing secure transfer through an untrusted system like a cloud service, and ensures all systems decrypt and apply the new key automatically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a transfer encryption key is used to securely transmit keys over an untrusted network, then security is improved, but the key must be changed frequently to mitigate risks like man-in-the-middle attacks, which increases system complexity and operational overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic key rollover where the transfer encryption key automatically changes over time without manual intervention. The system transitions from static key management to dynamic key rotation, allowing the key to be updated periodically or on-demand while maintaining secure communication channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service key management by automatically generating, distributing, and rotating transfer encryption keys without requiring manual administrative intervention. The key rollover process is autonomous, with systems automatically coordinating key changes across the network.
2Device complexity
If manual key change procedures are used, then system complexity is reduced, but security is compromised due to infrequent key changes and potential human error
Solution Approach 1:
The system eliminates manual key management operations by implementing automated key generation, distribution, and rotation. The automated system performs all key management tasks without human intervention, reducing both complexity and security risks associated with manual procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where key usage patterns, security events, and system state information are monitored and used to automatically trigger key rollover operations. The system adjusts key rotation timing based on security requirements and operational conditions.
3Reliability
If frequent key changes are implemented, then security against attacks is improved, but the time and resources required for key management increase
Solution Approach 1:
The automated key management system eliminates time-consuming manual key change operations. The system self-manages the entire key lifecycle including generation, distribution, rotation, and revocation without requiring administrative time investment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary key generation and distribution before keys are needed for communication. Key rollover is initiated in advance, allowing seamless transition without interrupting ongoing secure communications or requiring reactive manual intervention.
4Extent of automation
If automated key rollover is implemented, then manual intervention is minimized, but the encryption and decryption processes become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces a key management service or intermediary component that handles the complexity of automated key rollover. This intermediary manages key generation, distribution, and rotation while presenting a simplified interface to applications, isolating encryption process complexity from business logic.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The automated changeover of a transfer encryption key from one transfer encryption key to another. This occurs in an environment in which a set of computing systems are to share one or more keys (such as a private and public key pair). The transfer encryption key is used to encrypt communications of the key(s) such that the encrypted key(s) may be transferred over a transfer system without the transfer system having access to the key(s). In order to perform automated changeover of the transfer encryption key, one of the set of computing systems encrypts the next transfer encryption key with the prior transfer encryption key. The transfer system provides this encrypted message to the remainder of the set of computing systems, which may then decrypt the encrypted message using the prior transfer encryption key, to find the next transfer encryption key.