Storage system with master key hierarchy configured for efficient shredding of stored encrypted data items
US9906361B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 26, 2015 |
| Grant date | Feb 27, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 23, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04L9/0894
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus comprises a storage system and a key manager incorporated in or otherwise associated with the storage system. The storage system comprises first storage of a first type and second storage of a second type with the first storage providing enhanced data protection relative to the second storage. The key manager is configured to maintain a master key hierarchy for the storage system. The master key hierarchy comprises a plurality of levels each including one or more master keys, with an uppermost level of the master key hierarchy comprising a root master key that is stored in the first storage and at least one lower level of the master key hierarchy comprising a plurality of master keys that are stored in the second storage under encryption by the root master key. Keys of a lowermost level of the master key hierarchy are associated with respective groups of data items.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.