Wireless Key Distribution for Small Guided Ordnance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Type 1 cryptographic devices are unsuitable for smaller guided ordnance due to size constraints, security risks, and logistical challenges, as they require physical control and cannot be easily embedded or rekeyed, leading to inefficiencies and high costs.
Innovation Solution
A system for managing encryption keys and secure communications in small, low-power systems using a primary control element and remotely controlled device, where keys are generated and transmitted securely over a wireless link, allowing for local initialization and periodic key changes to prevent unauthorized access and ensure secure operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If Type 1 cryptographic devices are used in smaller guided ordnance, then security is improved, but device size and weight exceed available space constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The cryptographic system is divided into two separate components: a Type 1 cryptographic device that remains on the ground for key generation, and a smaller embeddable cryptographic module embedded in the guided ordnance. This segmentation allows the security functions to be distributed, enabling the ordnance to carry only essential lightweight cryptographic components while maintaining high security through the ground-based Type 1 device.
Solution Approach 2:
A ground-based control element acts as an intermediary between the Type 1 cryptographic device and the embeddable cryptographic module in the ordnance. The control element receives key material from the Type 1 device and transmits it securely to the ordnance, enabling secure key distribution without requiring the full Type 1 device to be embedded in the small ordnance.
2Reliability
If Type 1 cryptographic devices are physically controlled, then security is improved, but logistical complexity and costs increase due to inability to easily rekey
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static keying where cryptographic devices are permanently programmed with fixed keys, to dynamic keying where keys can be remotely updated and changed. The embeddable cryptographic module in the ordnance can receive new key material through wireless transmission, allowing keys to be dynamically updated without physical access to the device, thereby reducing logistical complexity while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The embeddable cryptographic module in the ordnance is designed to autonomously receive, process, and implement new key material through wireless communication with a ground-based control element. This self-service capability eliminates the need for manual key loading and physical handling, simplifying logistics and reducing costs associated with key distribution and device rekeying.
3Reliability
If cryptographic keys are pre-loaded into ordnance, then security is improved, but adaptability decreases as keys cannot be changed after programming
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static keying where cryptographic devices are permanently programmed with fixed keys, to dynamic keying where keys can be remotely updated and changed. The embeddable cryptographic module in the ordnance can receive new key material through wireless transmission, allowing keys to be dynamically updated without physical access to the device, thereby reducing logistical complexity while maintaining security.
4Reliability
If Type 1 cryptographic devices are embedded in small ordnance, then security is improved, but device complexity and power consumption exceed available resources
Solution Approach 1:
The cryptographic system is divided into two separate components: a Type 1 cryptographic device that remains on the ground for key generation, and a smaller embeddable cryptographic module embedded in the guided ordnance. This segmentation allows the security functions to be distributed, enabling the ordnance to carry only essential lightweight cryptographic components while maintaining high security through the ground-based Type 1 device.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method operate on a first electronic device and a second electronic device. The first device has a control system and a cryptographic communications module. The second device has a key generator, a user interface, and a cryptographic communications module. The second device generates a single-mission cryptographic key that is securely programmed into the first device, and the first device is deployed to a remote location. The user interface receives a command for controlling the first device. The second device encrypts the command according to the cryptographic key, and transmits the encrypted command to the first device. The first device authenticates the command, decrypts it, and passes the decrypted command to the control system. The first device may be actively guided ordnance, and the second device may be a control element for controlling the actively guided ordnance. The key may be automatically obfuscated upon mission completion or termination.