Splitting encrypted key and encryption key used to encrypt key into key components allowing assembly with subset of key components to decrypt encrypted key
US11146392B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 15, 2019 |
| Grant date | Oct 12, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 23, 2039 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04L9/30
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A system includes processor(s) and memory(s). When encryption key(s) need to be generated to encrypt a key, processor(s): securely generate encryption key(s); encrypt key using encryption key(s) to generate encrypted key; split encrypted key and encryption key(s) into set(s) of key components, wherein subset of key components can be used to reconstruct encrypted key and encryption key(s); and securely erase key from memory(s). When encryption key(s) need to be used, processor(s): receive set(s) of key components from subset(s) of users that can be used to reconstruct encrypted key and encryption key(s) used to securely decrypt key from encrypted key; when set(s) of key components is received from subset(s) of users that can be used to reconstruct encrypted key and encrypted key(s), securely reconstruct encrypted key and encryption key(s); and when the encrypted key and the encryption key(s) have both been reconstructed, securely decrypt encrypted key into key using encryption key(s).
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.