Web Service Key Management via Generic Identifier Transformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing web service key management systems pose security risks, especially for hobbyist developers, as they often inadvertently expose their web service keys, and professional developers face challenges in managing multiple keys when creating mash-up applications, leading to potential abuse and increased complexity.
Innovation Solution
A system that generates a generic key identifier from the original web service key, stores it securely, and transforms it back into the original key when needed, allowing secure sharing of applications without revealing private information, using encrypted versions within source code and secure storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the original web service key is stored in the source code for easy access, then the ease of operation is improved, but the security is worsened as the key becomes exposed to unauthorized access
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a key management system as an intermediary between the source code and the web service key. This system includes a secure storage device and a key transformation mechanism that converts the original key into a transformed key format. The intermediary protects the actual key from exposure in source code while maintaining accessibility through controlled transformation, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of access and security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a copy of the web service key in a transformed format that can be stored in source code without exposing the original key. The transformed key serves as a functional copy that can be used to access web services while the actual original key remains protected in secure storage, eliminating the need to store the real key in source code.
2Reliability
If multiple original web service keys are managed separately, then the reliability of key-specific access is improved, but the device complexity increases due to multiple keys to track
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal key management system that handles multiple web service keys through a single unified interface. The key management system can store, transform, and manage multiple original keys without requiring separate handling mechanisms for each key. This multi-functional approach maintains reliable key-specific access while significantly reducing the complexity of managing multiple keys.
Solution Approach 2:
The key management system acts as a mediator that consolidates multiple key management operations into a single system. Instead of developers needing to individually track and manage multiple keys, the intermediary system provides a unified interface for all key operations, reducing complexity while maintaining the reliability of accessing specific keys.
3Productivity
If the web service key is shared among multiple users, then the productivity of collaborative development is improved, but the security is worsened as keys become vulnerable to unauthorized use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables collaborative development by providing each user with a transformed key copy that allows access to web services. Instead of sharing the original key, each developer receives a transformed version that functions identically but cannot be used to access or steal the original key. This copying approach maintains productivity while preventing unauthorized access.
Solution Approach 2:
The key management system serves as an intermediary that facilitates secure sharing among multiple users. It provides a mechanism where users can access web services through transformed keys without direct access to the original key, enabling collaborative development while maintaining security through the intermediary's protection layer.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the original web service key is transformed into a generic key identifier in source code, then the security is improved by preventing key exposure, but the ease of operation worsens due to additional transformation steps
Solution Approach 1:
The key management system implements self-service by automatically transforming the original key into a transformed key format when the application runs. The transformation occurs transparently in the background without requiring manual intervention from the developer. The system serves itself by handling the key transformation automatically, maintaining security while minimizing the operational burden on the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs the key transformation as a preliminary action that occurs automatically when the application is executed. The transformed key is prepared in advance and made available to the web service calls without requiring the developer to manually perform transformation steps. This preliminary automated action maintains security while simplifying the developer's workflow.
Data Source
AI summary
Various technologies and techniques are disclosed for managing web service developer keys. A generic key identifier can be generated based on an original web service key. The generic key identifier is used within source code of an application being developed. Upon receiving a request to run the application, the generic key identifier is transformed back into the original web service key prior to calling an associated web service. Multiple users can securely share the same application that uses the web service. When one user who does not have his own original web service key accesses the application, that user can be prompted to obtain and enter the original web service key once the key has been obtained from a provider of the web service.