ZIP File Encryption with Digital Signatures and Key Flexibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing .ZIP file encryption methods use weak encryption with key sizes of 96 bits or less, which is insufficient for modern security standards, and lack non-repudiation and message authentication capabilities, making them vulnerable to cracking and unable to securely bind the creator's identity to the encrypted file.
Innovation Solution
Integrating multiple strong encryption methods, including symmetric and asymmetric encryption, into the .ZIP file format to create a highly secure digital container that supports advanced encryption algorithms, digital signatures for non-repudiation, and message authentication, while allowing flexible key management and backward compatibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If weak encryption with key sizes of 96 bits or less is used in .ZIP files, then backward compatibility with existing software is maintained, but security strength is insufficient for modern standards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the encryption system into multiple independent layers: a strong encryption layer (AES-256, RSA-2048) for security and a compatibility layer for software support. Each layer operates independently, allowing the strong encryption to coexist with legacy software through the use of multiple encryption methods within the same file structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite encryption structure that combines multiple encryption algorithms (symmetric AES and asymmetric RSA) within a single .ZIP file. This composite approach integrates strong modern encryption with support for older encryption methods, achieving both high security and broad compatibility simultaneously.
2Reliability
If multiple strong encryption methods are integrated into .ZIP files, then security and non-repudiation capabilities are enhanced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal encryption framework where a single .ZIP file structure can accommodate multiple encryption types (AES, RSA, DES3) and authentication mechanisms (digital signatures, message digests). This multi-functional design allows the system to provide strong security, non-repudiation, and authentication without requiring separate systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary encryption architecture where a primary strong encryption method (AES-256) works in conjunction with asymmetric encryption (RSA-2048) for key exchange and digital signatures. This intermediary layer manages the complexity by orchestrating multiple encryption methods through a unified structure, simplifying the overall system while maintaining strong security.
3Reliability
If asymmetric encryption with digital signatures is implemented, then non-repudiation and message authentication are provided, but processing time and computational resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-computing and embedding digital signatures and message digests during the encryption process. Rather than performing complex asymmetric encryption operations during decryption, the authentication data is prepared in advance and stored with the encrypted file, significantly reducing processing time during file access while maintaining strong non-repudiation capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a method of integrating existing strong encryption methods into the processing of a .ZIP file to provide a highly secure data container which provides flexibility in the use of symmetric and asymmetric encryption technology. The present invention adapts the well established .ZIP file format to support higher levels of security and multiple methods of data encryption and key management, thereby producing a highly secure and flexible digital container for electronically storing and transferring confidential data.