Kansas Patent of the Month – January 2024
In the rapidly evolving landscape of data security, SpiderOak, Inc. has developed a novel approach to secured file systems using blockchain technology. This computer-implemented cryptographic method introduces a temporal permission system, ensuring access to encrypted data is not only secure but also time-bound.
The core of this innovation lies in the utilization of a blockchain, a distributed ledger that controls access to encrypted data. Unlike traditional methods, SpiderOak’s invention incorporates a novel cryptographic hash tree, forming a structure that efficiently manages access permissions. Each block in the blockchain contains essential information, such as a wall clock field, a sequence clock field, and a root of the cryptographic hash tree.
One key aspect of this invention is the generation of temporal permissions for cryptographic tokens. These tokens, created based on specific sequence clock fields of the blockchain, prevent access to encrypted data once a designated time has passed. This adds an extra layer of security, ensuring that even if a cryptographic token falls into the wrong hands, its access is limited by time.
The invention introduces a unique approach to bandwidth management, emphasizing the efficiency of communicating and storing the root of the cryptographic hash tree compared to the plurality of blocks. This optimization showcases SpiderOak’s commitment to practical, resource-conscious solutions.
The invention addresses the need for flexible and scalable systems by allowing the number of endpoints used to generate the cryptographic hash tree to vary. This adaptability is crucial for accommodating different use cases and scenarios.
SpiderOak’s system goes beyond conventional blockchain applications by encoding rules for computer-implemented interpretation of semantics directly into the blocks. This innovation ensures smooth resolution of race conditions, a common challenge in blockchain operations.
In terms of implementation, the invention encompasses a comprehensive computer system with one or more processors and a storage medium housing the necessary instructions. The system seamlessly generates blocks, constructs cryptographic hash trees, and issues temporal permissions to cryptographic tokens, all contributing to a robust and secure file system.
SpiderOak’s invention marks a significant leap forward in data security, offering a sophisticated solution that combines blockchain technology, cryptographic methods, and temporal permissions. This invention sets a new standard for managing access to encrypted data, emphasizing security, efficiency, and adaptability in an ever-evolving digital landscape.
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