Secure VM Data Extraction via Sealed Encryption Keys
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Solution Overview
Problem
Virtual and cloud environments lack robust security controls, particularly for sensitive data, as they often store decrypted information in memory, making it vulnerable to external access and modification during migration, leading to potential data compromise.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced to acquire a tailored encryption key for a virtual processing environment, selectively identify data to extract, and encrypt it using this key, leveraging technologies like Trusted-Platform Module (TPM) or third-party credential arbiters for secure data extraction and validation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If decrypted information is stored in memory to facilitate fast access and seamless motion, then access speed is improved, but security is worsened as external entities can access and modify the data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by encrypting data before it is stored in memory or transferred to disk. The encryption key is managed and applied in advance, ensuring that even if data is accessed during migration or storage, it remains encrypted and protected. This preemptive encryption resolves the contradiction by maintaining both fast access (through efficient encryption/decryption operations) and security (through continuous encryption protection).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary encryption layer between the data and storage/memory systems. The encryption key acts as a mediator that controls access to the data, allowing fast access when authorized while preventing unauthorized access and modification. This intermediary mechanism resolves the security vulnerability without sacrificing access speed for authorized operations.
2Reliability
If VM is copied or migrated across the network to enable portability and failover, then availability is improved, but security is worsened as data can be compromised during transfer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by encrypting data before migration or copying operations. The encryption is established in advance, so that during network transfer or VM migration, the data remains protected. This allows the system to maintain portability and failover capabilities while preventing data compromise during these critical transfer operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an inert encrypted environment for data during migration and storage. The encryption acts as a protective atmosphere that isolates the data from potential attackers during network transfer and storage operations. This inert environment maintains data security while allowing the VM to be migrated or copied for availability and portability purposes.
3Ease of operation
If traditional security controls like file permissions and hardware encryption are not implemented in virtual environments, then ease of operation is improved, but security is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by implementing a comprehensive encryption framework that provides multiple security functions through a unified mechanism. The encryption system simultaneously provides data protection, access control, audit capabilities, and protection during migration and storage operations. This multi-functional approach maintains ease of operation while addressing the absence of traditional security controls in virtual environments.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for secure data extraction in a virtual or cloud environment are presented. Desired data from a Virtual Machine (VM) or an entire VM is extracted and encrypted with a key. This key is sealed to a machine or a group of machines. The encrypted data is then migrated and successfully used on startup for instances of the VM by having the ability to access the sealed key (and unsealing it) to decrypt the encrypted data.