Workgroup Key Distribution Center for Secure Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional solutions for securing data in motion within workgroups are insecure and inefficient due to poor management and distribution of workgroup encryption keys, reliance on user security, and lack of robust workgroup support for key revocation and renewal.
Innovation Solution
A workgroup management module integrates with user authentication and directory services to manage and verify workgroup membership, authenticate users through shared secrets, and provide secure key distribution and renewal, using a Kerberos-based subsystem and Key Distribution Center to ensure secure communication and key updates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional password management is used to secure computer systems, then user authentication is provided, but security is compromised and help desk costs increase due to password issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts password management from the user's responsibility by introducing a key distribution center that automatically manages cryptographic keys. Users no longer need to manually create, remember, or update passwords - the system automatically distributes and manages authentication credentials through the KDC, eliminating password-related help desk issues while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a key distribution center as an intermediary between users and the authentication system. The KDC mediates all authentication operations by issuing session keys and managing credentials, replacing direct user interaction with passwords. This intermediary handles key distribution, renewal, and revocation automatically, improving both security and ease of operation.
2Reliability
If cryptographic infrastructures with user-stored private keys are used, then data encryption is provided, but security is compromised due to insecure key storage and poor file naming practices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts private key storage from user control by implementing a key distribution center that securely manages all cryptographic keys. Private keys are never stored on user hard drives or exposed to users - the KDC generates, distributes, and manages keys automatically, eliminating the security vulnerabilities associated with user-stored keys and poor file naming practices while maintaining strong encryption.
Solution Approach 2:
The key distribution center serves as an intermediary that handles all key management operations. Instead of users directly storing and managing private keys, the KDC mediates key distribution through secure channels, automatically manages key lifecycles, and ensures keys never暴露在insecure user environments. This resolves the contradiction between providing encryption and ensuring secure key storage.
3Reliability
If pre-shared workgroup encryption keys are used for secure communication, then workgroup security is provided, but key management becomes unstable and insecure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a key distribution center as an intermediary to manage workgroup keys centrally. Instead of manually distributing pre-shared keys to each workgroup member, the KDC automatically generates workgroup-specific keys, distributes them securely to authorized members, and manages key lifecycles. This centralizes key management, making it stable and secure while reducing the complexity of manual key distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of key management from static pre-shared keys to dynamic keys managed by the KDC. Workgroup keys are no longer fixed but are automatically generated, distributed, and renewed by the system. This parameter change transforms key management from a manual, error-prone process to an automated, secure operation handled by the intermediary KDC.
4Reliability
If traditional secure workgroup protocols are used, then limited workgroup support is provided, but key revocation and renewal become inefficient and insecure
Solution Approach 1:
The key distribution center acts as an intermediary that automatically handles key revocation and renewal operations. When a user leaves a workgroup or keys need updating, the KDC automatically revokes old keys and distributes new ones without manual intervention. This eliminates the inefficiencies of traditional protocols where key management required manual processes, improving both the security of revocation and the efficiency of renewal while maintaining full workgroup support.
Data Source
AI summary
A secure data parser is provided that may be integrated into any suitable system for securely storing and communicating data. The secure data parser may split or share a data set into multiple portions that are stored or communicated distinctly. Encryption of the original data, the portions of data, or both may be employed for additional security. The secure data parser may be used to protect data in motion by splitting an original data set into portions of data that may be communicated using one or more communications paths. Secure workgroup communication is supported through the secure distribution and management of a workgroup key for use with the secure data parser.