Trusted Block Data Structure for Secure ATM Key Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for securely transferring symmetric encryption keys to remote devices, such as ATMs and point of sale terminals, are labor-intensive, error-prone, and costly, particularly when loading initial keys and managing key usage restrictions across different cryptographic architectures.
Innovation Solution
A trusted block data structure is introduced, protected by a MAC, which defines specific key management policies and employs dual control to create and manage symmetric cryptographic keys, enabling secure key generation and export through API functions like Trusted_Block_Create and Remote_Key_Export, ensuring secure translation and control of key usage restrictions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual key loading is used for initial key distribution to remote devices, then security key loading can be performed, but the process becomes labor-intensive and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical key loading process with an automated electronic key management system. The Host Security Module automatically generates, encrypts, and transmits keys to remote devices through electronic communication channels, eliminating the need for manual key part distribution and combination. This substitution of manual operations with automated electronic processes directly resolves the contradiction by improving reliability through automation while maintaining operational capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a Host Security Module as an intermediary system that manages the entire key distribution process. This intermediary automatically handles key generation, encryption under appropriate keys, secure transmission, and verification at the remote device. By inserting this automated intermediary between the key source and the remote device, the system eliminates manual errors while maintaining secure key loading operations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If cryptographic architecture translation is performed to export keys between different systems, then key compatibility is achieved, but security may be reduced due to arbitrary changes in key usage restrictions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the Host Security Module receives information about the remote device's cryptographic architecture and automatically adjusts the key export process accordingly. The system queries the target device's capabilities and uses this feedback to configure the appropriate encryption format and key usage restrictions, ensuring compatibility without compromising security. This automated feedback loop prevents arbitrary changes while achieving necessary adaptation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically changes cryptographic parameters such as encryption algorithms, key formats, and usage restrictions based on the target device's requirements. The Host Security Module automatically selects and applies the appropriate parameter set for each translation operation, ensuring that keys are exported in a format compatible with the target device while maintaining security constraints. This controlled parameter adaptation resolves the contradiction by achieving compatibility through systematic parameter adjustment rather than arbitrary changes.
3Reliability
If multiple people manually distribute key parts to remote devices, then key security can be maintained through separation of key parts, but the process becomes expensive and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual multi-person key distribution process with an automated electronic key management system. The Host Security Module generates keys and automatically distributes them to multiple remote devices through electronic channels, eliminating the need for multiple people to physically transport key parts. This automation maintains security through cryptographic protection while dramatically improving productivity by handling multiple key distributions without additional human resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates encrypted copies of keys that can be securely transmitted to multiple remote devices simultaneously. The Host Security Module generates master keys and creates encrypted versions for each target device, automatically distributing these copies through secure electronic channels. This copying approach maintains security through encryption while improving efficiency by enabling parallel key distribution to multiple devices without requiring multiple physical key transport operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, article, and system for providing an effective implementation of a data structure comprising instructions that are cryptographically protected against alteration or misuse, wherein the instructions further comprise a trusted block that defines specific key management policies that are permitted when an application program employs the trusted block in application programming interface (API) functions to generate or export symmetric cryptographic keys. The trusted block has a number of fields containing rules that provide an ability to limit how the trusted block is used, thereby reducing the risk of the trusted block being employed in unintended ways or with unintended keys.