WORM File System Secure Timestamping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current WORM protection systems lack a secure time reference, making it possible to falsify document dates, which compromises data integrity and security.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that employs a WORM server with a first and second time stamping process, using a hash function and digital time stamping service with private and public keys to create and store digital signatures, ensuring data integrity and preventing future modifications or overwrites.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If WORM protection is implemented without secure time reference, then data storage security is improved, but data integrity is worsened due to possibility of falsifying document dates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata storage securityVSAvoiddata integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies preliminary action by embedding a secure time reference (timestamp) at the moment data is written to the WORM media. This timestamp is cryptographically signed and stored alongside the data, establishing an immutable record of when the data was written. This prevents later falsification of document dates while maintaining the WORM protection structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary element - a secure timestamping mechanism with cryptographic signatures - that mediates between the WORM protection system and the data integrity requirement. This intermediary provides the missing secure time reference without compromising the existing WORM protection architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If WORM protection prevents erasing and modifying data, then data security is improved, but the ability to verify data authenticity over time is worsened without secure time reference

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata securityVSAvoidtime reference accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by recording the exact time of data writing with cryptographic precision at the moment of ingestion. This timestamp is generated and signed before the data is committed to the WORM media, ensuring the time reference is as accurate and secure as possible from the outset.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces any potential mechanical or manual time-keeping mechanisms with a cryptographic timestamping system. This substitution uses mathematical algorithms and digital signatures to provide precise, verifiable time references, eliminating the inaccuracies and vulnerabilities of traditional time-keeping methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS8631235B2System and method for storing data using a virtual worm file system

Publication Date: 2014.01.14 SUN MICROSYSTEMS INC

AI summary

A system and method for storing data in a virtual file system using write once read many (WORM) protection includes a WORM server in communication with one or more storage devices and a controller in communication with the WORM server. A first time stamping process for creating a first time stamp for a data object based on instructions applied by the controller for storage on the WORM server. A second time stamping process for creating a second time stamp for the data object for storage on the WORM server. The second time stamping process creates the second time stamp for the data object and first time stamp to ensure the integrity of the data object stored on the system.