Trusted Execution Environment for Secure Data Access and Processing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data storage systems impose burdensome usability requirements and are limited in scalability and security, particularly in handling sensitive data, due to onerous access controls and inefficient interaction methods.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a trusted execution environment with secure processing devices and encrypted data repositories, utilizing hardware and software encryption, sandbox layers, and access policies to manage data access and processing securely and efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional airlock and remote desktop solutions are used for secure data access, then security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to disabled copy-paste and complex access procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a secure gateway as an intermediary component that mediates between the user's local environment and the secure compute environment. The gateway handles authentication, establishes secure connections, and manages data transfer protocols, allowing users to access secure resources without directly exposing the airlock mechanisms. This intermediary layer maintains security while providing a more user-friendly interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the secure access architecture into distinct functional components: authentication modules, encryption layers, sandboxed execution environments, and controlled data transfer channels. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - security-critical functions are isolated in protected zones while user-facing interfaces remain accessible and easy to use.
2Reliability
If strict access controls and airlock mechanisms are implemented, then security is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple approval layers and virus scanning processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary security actions by pre-authenticating users and pre-encrypting data before it enters the secure environment. Access policies are predetermined and configured in advance, allowing the system to automatically enforce security rules without requiring real-time human approval for each operation. Virus scanning and security checks are performed as preliminary steps during the data ingress phase, eliminating the need for complex multi-layer approval processes.
3Reliability
If isolated and locked-down environments are used for sensitive data storage, then security is improved, but productivity decreases due to limited user interaction capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical security controls (physical airlocks, manual approval workflows, restricted interfaces) with software-based security mechanisms including cryptographic encryption, virtualized sandbox environments, and automated policy enforcement. This substitution enables seamless data processing and user interaction within secure boundaries, maintaining productivity while ensuring security. Users can perform operations efficiently through standardized APIs and automated workflows rather than manual procedures.
4Reliability
If remote desktop solutions with disabled copy-paste are used, then security is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates due to inability to efficiently transfer information
Solution Approach 1:
The secure gateway acts as an intermediary that facilitates efficient data transfer between untrusted and trusted zones. It implements secure copy-paste functionality through encrypted channels, allowing users to transfer information efficiently while maintaining security. The gateway handles the complexity of secure data exchange protocols, making the process transparent to users and eliminating the need for manual workarounds.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are methods, systems, and devices for implementing trusted execution environments in the context of data security and data storage. Systems may include a login node comprising one or more processors configured to receive a request from a user, and a secure access port communicatively coupled to the login node and configured to process the request in accordance with one or more data access policies. Systems may further include a secure processing device communicatively coupled to the secure access port and comprising an encrypted portion configured to implement one or more data processing operations associated with the request. The systems may also include an encrypted data repository communicatively coupled to the secure processing device, the encrypted data repository comprising one or more storage devices, and being configured to encrypt and store data in the one or more storage devices.