DE202024100218U1 - Quantum cryptography-based intelligent system for unprecedented IoT network security - Google Patents

Abstract

A quantum cryptography-based intelligent system (100) for unprecedented IoT network security, comprising:
a quantum key distribution (QKD) module (1) for generating and distributing encryption keys using quantum mechanical principles, wherein the quantum key distribution module (1) uses entangled photon pairs to ensure a secure key exchange that prevents any interception or duplication of the keys;
an artificial intelligence (AI) analytics engine (2) configured to analyze network traffic and identify potential security threats in real time, wherein the artificial intelligence analytics engine (2) uses machine learning algorithms to adaptively detect and respond to new types of cyber threats, thereby improving the security resilience of the IoT network;
an integrated IoT device management platform (3) for securing communication between different IoT devices, wherein the integrated IoT device management platform (3) supports automatic firmware updates and security patch deployments for IoT devices, thereby maintaining up-to-date protection against vulnerabilities; and
a user interface (4) for network administrators to configure security policies, monitor the health of the network, and receive alerts about security incidents.

Description

SCOPE OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of cybersecurity, in particular to securing IoT networks using quantum cryptography and artificial intelligence.

The present invention relates to the fields of cybersecurity, quantum cryptography, artificial intelligence and Internet of Things (IoT) network management. In particular, it relates to a system for improving the security of IoT networks by integrating advanced quantum cryptographic techniques with artificial intelligence-based analytics.

In particular, the present invention relates to a quantum cryptography-based intelligent system for unprecedented IOT network security.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The subject matter discussed in the Background section should not be considered to be prior art merely by virtue of its mention in the Background section. Nor should it be assumed that a problem mentioned in the Background section or related to the subject matter of the Background section has already been recognized in the prior art. The subject matter of the Background section merely represents various approaches that may also be inventions in and of themselves.

The proliferation of the Internet of Things (loT) has revolutionized the way we interact with technology and led to a more connected world. IoT networks consist of a variety of devices ranging from simple sensors to complex industrial machines, all interconnected and exchanging data. However, this rapid expansion and increasing complexity have also raised significant security concerns. Traditional security measures are often inadequate for the unique challenges of loT networks, requiring the development of more advanced and robust solutions.

Challenges of IoT network security:

IoT networks are inherently vulnerable due to their diverse and often insecure devices, making them prime targets for cyberattacks. Common threats include unauthorized access, data breaches, and distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks. In addition, the sheer number of devices and the volume of data they generate make these networks difficult to monitor and secure.

Limitations of conventional cryptography:

Traditional cryptographic methods such as symmetric and asymmetric encryption have limitations in the context of IoT security. These methods often rely on computational complexity to prevent unauthorized access, but may be vulnerable to advances in quantum computing that could potentially break these encryption algorithms. In addition, securely managing and distributing encryption keys across a large number of IoT devices is a major challenge.

Emergence of quantum cryptography:

Quantum cryptography, particularly quantum key distribution (QKD), has emerged as a potential solution to the shortcomings of traditional cryptography. QKD uses the principles of quantum mechanics to generate and distribute encryption keys in a way that is theoretically immune to interception or duplication. However, implementing QKD in IoT networks presents a number of challenges, including integrating it into existing infrastructure and ensuring practical usability.

The rise of artificial intelligence in cybersecurity:

Artificial intelligence (AI) has become increasingly important in the cybersecurity space. It offers the ability to analyze large amounts of data, recognize patterns, and respond to threats in real time. AI's ability to learn and adapt makes it particularly well-suited to dealing with the dynamic and evolving nature of cyber threats. However, effectively integrating AI into IoT security solutions requires overcoming challenges.

IoT device management and network resiliency:

Effective management of IoT devices is critical to maintaining network security. This includes ensuring timely firmware updates, managing security patches, and monitoring the device behavior. The challenge is to efficiently automate these processes across a diverse and often geographically distributed network of devices.

Need for a comprehensive solution:

Given these challenges, there is an urgent need for a comprehensive security solution that meets the unique requirements of IoT networks. Such a solution should combine the unbreakable security of quantum cryptography, the adaptive intelligence of AI, and the efficient management of IoT devices, while being scalable and easy to use for various applications.

The present invention addresses these needs by introducing a quantum cryptography-based intelligent system specifically designed for unprecedented IoT network security. This system integrates advanced quantum cryptographic techniques, AI-driven analytics, and robust IoT device management into a cohesive framework, providing a novel and effective approach to securing IoT networks against current and future cyber threats.

1. 1. Quantenkryptographie und Quantenschlüsselverteilung (QKD):
   • Papiere: Die Pionierarbeit von Bennett und Brassard im Jahr 1984 führte das Konzept der Quantenschlüsselverteilung mit ihrem Aufsatz „Quantum cryptography: Public key distribution and coin tossing“. Nachfolgende Forschungsarbeiten, darunter die 2002 erschienene Übersichtsarbeit „Quantum cryptography“ von Gisin et al., haben die praktische Umsetzung und die Sicherheitsnachweise von QKD erweitert.
   • Patente: Ein bemerkenswertes Patent in diesem Bereich ist das US-Patent Nr. 5.307.410 an Charles H. Bennett et al. mit dem Titel „Quantum Cryptographic Key Distribution System“, das die Grundlage für praktische QKD-Systeme legte.
2. 2. Künstliche Intelligenz in der Cybersecurity:
   • Papiere: Forschungsarbeiten wie Buczak und Guvens „ASurvey of Data Mining and Machine Learning Methods for Cyber Security Intrusion Detection“ von 2016 haben die Anwendung von KI und maschinellem Lernen bei der Erkennung von und Reaktion auf Cyber-Bedrohungen untersucht.
   • Patente: Das US-Patent Nr. 9.246.903 mit dem Titel „System and method for predicting and mitigating cybersecurity events“ (System und Verfahren zur Vorhersage und Abschwächung von Cybersicherheitsereignissen) ist ein Beispiel für eine Erfindung, die maschinelles Lernen für Cybersicherheitszwecke nutzt.
3. 3. IoT-Netzwerkmanagement und Sicherheit:
   • Papiere: Studien wie die von Roman, Zhou und Lopez aus dem Jahr 2013 mit dem Titel „On the features and challenges of security and privacy in distributed internet of things“ (Über die Merkmale und Herausforderungen der Sicherheit und des Datenschutzes im verteilten Internet der Dinge) haben die einzigartigen Sicherheitsherausforderungen in loT-Netzwerken hervorgehoben und Rahmenwerke zur Bewältigung dieser Herausforderungen vorgeschlagen.
   • Patente: Ein Beispiel ist das US-Patent Nr. 9.825.761 mit dem Titel „loT device security“ (Sicherheit von IoT-Geräten), das sich mit Methoden zur Sicherung von loT-Geräten befasst, einschließlich Aspekten wie Authentifizierung und Firmware-Updates.
4. 4. Integration von Quantenkryptographie mit IoT und Kl:
   • Papiere: Obwohl es sich hierbei um ein relativ neues Forschungsgebiet handelt, haben einige Arbeiten damit begonnen, die Integration der Quantenkryptografie in loT-Netzwerke zu untersuchen. So wird beispielsweise in „Quantum-Secured Internet of Things: A Review“ von Alsing et al. die potenziellen Anwendungen und Herausforderungen der Implementierung von QKD in IoT-Umgebungen erörtert.
   • Patente: Da es sich um ein neu entstehendes Gebiet handelt, gibt es nur wenige Patente, die speziell die Quantenkryptografie mit Kl für die IoT-Sicherheit kombinieren, was auf einen neuartigen Aspekt der aktuellen Erfindung hinweist.

The development of the quantum cryptography-based intelligent system for unprecedented IoT network security builds on a rich history of previous research and patents in quantum cryptography, artificial intelligence in cybersecurity, and IoT network management. The following overview highlights the key works and patents that influenced this invention:

1. 1. Quantum cryptography and quantum key distribution (QKD):
   • Papers: The pioneering work of Bennett and Brassard in 1984 introduced the concept of quantum key distribution with their paper “Quantum cryptography: Public key distribution and coin tossing”. Subsequent research, including the 2002 review paper “Quantum cryptography” by Gisin et al., has extended the practical implementation and security proofs of QKD.
   • Patents: A notable patent in this area is US Patent No. 5,307,410 to Charles H. Bennett et al. entitled “Quantum Cryptographic Key Distribution System”, which laid the foundation for practical QKD systems.
2. 2. Artificial Intelligence in Cybersecurity:
   • Papers: Research papers such as Buczak and Guven’s 2016 “ASurvey of Data Mining and Machine Learning Methods for Cyber Security Intrusion Detection” have examined the application of AI and machine learning in detecting and responding to cyber threats.
   • Patents: US Patent No. 9,246,903 entitled “System and method for predicting and mitigating cybersecurity events” is an example of an invention that uses machine learning for cybersecurity purposes.
3. 3. IoT network management and security:
   • Papers: Studies such as the 2013 paper by Roman, Zhou, and Lopez, “On the features and challenges of security and privacy in distributed internet of things,” have highlighted the unique security challenges in loT networks and proposed frameworks to address these challenges.
   • Patents: An example is US Patent No. 9,825,761 entitled “loT device security,” which addresses methods for securing loT devices, including aspects such as authentication and firmware updates.
4. 4. Integration of quantum cryptography with IoT and AI:
   • Papers: Although this is a relatively new area of research, some work has begun to explore the integration of quantum cryptography into IoT networks. For example, “Quantum-Secured Internet of Things: A Review” by Alsing et al. discusses the potential applications and challenges of implementing QKD in IoT environments.
   • Patents: Since this is an emerging field, there are few patents specifically combining quantum cryptography with AI for IoT security, indicating a novel aspect of the current invention.

The state of the art shows significant advances in the individual areas of quantum cryptography, AI-driven cybersecurity, and IoT network management. However, the present invention uniquely integrates these technologies into a comprehensive system specifically designed for IoT network security, addressing the limitations and challenges identified in previous work. Combining quantum cryptographic techniques with AI analytics and efficient IoT device management represents a novel and significant contribution to the field.

The information disclosed in this Background section is for the purpose of facilitating an understanding of the background of the invention only and may therefore contain information that is not prior art and that is already known to a person skilled in the art in this country.

SUMMARY

Before describing the present systems and methods, it is to be understood that this application is not limited to the systems and methods described, as there may be several possible embodiments not expressly shown in the present disclosure. It is also to be understood that the terminology used in the description is for the purpose of describing the particular versions or embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the present application.

The present invention relates to a quantum cryptography and intelligence-based system designed for unprecedented security in Internet of Things (IoT) networks. This system uniquely integrates quantum key distribution (QKD) with artificial intelligence (AI) analysis and comprehensive IoT device management to provide a robust and advanced solution for securing IoT networks. The invention addresses the critical need for a security system that is both highly secure against quantum computing threats and adaptable to the evolving landscape of cyber threats.

The core of the invention is the Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) module, which uses the principles of quantum mechanics to generate and distribute encryption keys. This module uses entangled photon pairs, a method that ensures a high level of security in key exchange and makes it virtually impossible for keys to be intercepted or duplicated unnoticed.

The QKD module provides a quantum-safe foundation for communication in IoT networks and addresses the vulnerabilities of classical encryption methods in the face of emerging quantum computing technologies.

The invention includes an AI analytics engine that analyzes network traffic in real time and identifies potential security threats. This engine uses machine learning algorithms to continuously learn and adapt to new types of cyber threats, improving the resilience of the IoT network against sophisticated attacks.

The AI analytics engine is critical for proactive threat detection and response, providing a dynamic and intelligent defense layer that evolves with the threat landscape.

The system includes an integrated IoT device management platform that ensures secure communication between different IoT devices. This platform enables automatic firmware updates and security patches for IoT devices to protect them from known vulnerabilities and ensure up-to-date security.

The device management platform improves the overall security and operational efficiency of IoT networks by enabling centralized control and monitoring of device health and security status.

Network administrators have a user-friendly interface to configure security policies, monitor the health of the network, and receive alerts about security incidents. This interface enables easy management of the security system and provides insights into network performance and potential threats.

The user interface is intuitive and easily accessible, allowing administrators to effectively manage network security without requiring specialized knowledge of quantum cryptography or AI.

The system also includes a decentralized blockchain-based ledger to log all network activity and changes. This ledger ensures tamper-proof recording and traceability of security events and adds an additional layer of security and accountability to the system.

The integration of blockchain technology provides a secure and transparent mechanism for tracking and verifying network activities and increases the overall trustworthiness of the IoT network.

The invention is self-healing, meaning it can automatically isolate compromised devices and reconfigure network parameters to maintain operational integrity in the event of a security breach. This feature ensures the continuous operation and resilience of the IoT network.

The system is scalable and adaptable to different sizes and types of IoT networks, from small home networks to large industrial IoT applications. This scalability ensures that the system can be used effectively in different environments with different security requirements.

The present quantum cryptography-based system represents a significant advancement in IoT network security, providing a comprehensive, scalable and adaptable solution that combines the unbreakable security of quantum cryptography with the adaptive intelligence of AI and efficient IoT device management. This invention addresses the current and future challenges in securing IoT networks and provides a robust defense against conventional and quantum computing-based cyber threats.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

In order to clarify various aspects of some embodiments of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be given by reference to specific embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood that these drawings show only illustrated embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered as limiting its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings.

• zeigt das Blockdiagramm eines auf Quantenkryptografie basierenden Systems (100) für eine beispiellose IOT-Netzwerksicherheit.

In order that the advantages of the present invention may be readily understood, a detailed description of the invention is discussed below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which, however, should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention to the accompanying drawings, in which:

• shows the block diagram of a quantum cryptography based system (100) for unprecedented IOT network security.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to a quantum cryptography based intelligent system (100) for unparalleled IOT network security

shows a detailed block diagram of a quantum cryptography based system (100) for unprecedented IOT network security.

• Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) Modul (1):
  • Das QKD-Modul (1) generiert und verteilt Verschlüsselungsschlüssel nach den Prinzipien der Quantenmechanik. Es verwendet verschränkte Photonenpaare, die einen sicheren Schlüsselaustausch gewährleisten und ein Abfangen oder Duplizieren verhindern.

The quantum cryptography-based system for unprecedented IoT network security, referred to herein as system (100), integrates various components to provide advanced security for Internet of Things (loT) networks. These components, which are described in the claims, are further explained below:

• Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) Module (1):
  • The QKD module (1) generates and distributes encryption keys according to the principles of quantum mechanics. It uses entangled photon pairs, which ensure secure key exchange and prevent interception or duplication.

This module uses quantum entanglement and the no-cloning theorem to create a secure communication channel. Any attempt to intercept the key will alter the quantum state and reveal the presence of an intruder.

By providing quantum-safe encryption keys, the QKD module (1) provides a level of security that can withstand the threats posed by advances in quantum computing.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Analytics Engine (2):

The AI analytics engine (2) analyzes network traffic in real time to detect potential security threats. It uses machine learning algorithms to adaptively detect and respond to new types of cyber threats.

This engine processes massive amounts of network data and identifies patterns and anomalies that indicate potential security risks. It continuously learns from network interactions, improving its threat detection and response capabilities over time.

The AI analysis engine (2) increases the security of the IoT network by providing an intelligent, adaptive defense against a variety of cyber threats.

integrated IoT device management platform (3):

The integrated IoT device management platform (3) ensures communication between different IoT devices. It supports automatic systematic firmware updates and the provision of security patches.

This platform manages the security configurations of various IoT devices and ensures that they are always equipped with the latest security measures. It also monitors the health and status of the devices and identifies and remediates vulnerabilities.

By maintaining up-to-date protection against vulnerabilities, the platform (3) ensures the integrity and security of the IoT network.

User interface (4):

The user interface (4) allows network administrators to configure security policies, monitor the health of the network, and receive alerts about security incidents.

This interface provides an accessible and intuitive dashboard for monitoring the entire IoT network. Administrators can use this interface to adjust security settings, view real-time analytics, and respond to alerts.

The user interface (4) simplifies the management of network security and makes it accessible to administrators without requiring in-depth technical knowledge of quantum cryptography or AI.

Decentralized blockchain-based ledger (5) :

As an extension of the base system (100), a decentralized blockchain-based ledger (5) logs all network activities and changes, thus ensuring tamper-proof recording and traceability of security events.

This ledger (5) uses blockchain technology to create a secure, immutable record of all transactions and changes on the network. It improves accountability and transparency within the network.

The inclusion of the blockchain-based ledger (5) provides an additional layer of security by providing a trusted and auditable record of all network activity, which is critical for forensic analysis and regulatory compliance.

Self-healing and scalability:

The system (100) is capable of self-healing by isolating compromised devices and reconfiguring network parameters in the event of a security breach. It is also designed to be scalable and adapt to different IoT network sizes and types.

Automated processes identify and mitigate risks and restore network security and functionality after an incident. The system's architecture allows scaling for different network requirements, from small home configurations to large industrial applications.

These features increase the resilience and flexibility of the system (100) and ensure that it remains effective across a wide range of scenarios and scales.

Anomaly detection in the AI analytics engine:

The AI analytics engine (2) includes anomaly detection techniques to identify unusual patterns in the behavior of IoT devices that could signal potential security threats.

Machine learning models in the engine (2) analyze device behavior and compare it to normal operating patterns. Deviations from these patterns are flagged for further investigation.

This feature enables early detection of potential security breaches, insider threats, or compromised devices, thereby improving the system's proactive security measures (100).

Synergistic operation of QKD module and Kl analysis engine:

The QKD module (1) and the AI analysis engine (2) work synergistically to optimize the balance between security strength and network performance.

The QKD module (1) provides the encryption keys required for secure communication, while the AI engine (2) ensures efficient network operation by adapting to security requirements and optimizing traffic flow.

This synergy ensures that the system (100) maintains a high level of security without affect network performance and provides an ideal solution for dynamic IoT environments.

The Quantum Cryptography-Based Intelligent System for Unprecedented IoT Network Security (100) represents a significant advancement in IoT cybersecurity. By integrating cutting-edge quantum cryptography, intelligent AI analytics, robust IoT device management, and a user-friendly interface, the system (100) provides a comprehensive, scalable, and customizable security solution. This invention is an effective response to the current and future challenges of securing IoT networks against a variety of cyber threats.

The present invention provides a comprehensive, scalable and secure system for analyzing and predicting the impacts of women's leadership in environmental and climate projects using advanced AI and machine learning techniques.

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of documents listed by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• US5307410 [0013]
• US9246903 [0013]
• US9825761 [0013]

Claims (6)

A quantum cryptography-based intelligent system (100) for unprecedented IoT network security, comprising: a quantum key distribution (QKD) module (1) for generating and distributing encryption keys using quantum mechanical principles, wherein the quantum key distribution module (1) uses entangled photon pairs to ensure secure key exchange preventing any interception or duplication of the keys; an artificial intelligence (AI) analysis engine (2) configured to analyze network traffic and identify potential security threats in real time, wherein the artificial intelligence analysis engine (2) employs machine learning algorithms to adaptively detect and respond to new types of cyber threats, thereby improving the security resilience of the IoT network; an integrated IoT device management platform (3) for securing communication between different IoT devices, wherein the integrated IoT device management platform (3) supports automatic firmware updates and security patch deployments for IoT devices, thereby maintaining up-to-date protection against vulnerabilities; and a user interface (4) for network administrators to configure security policies, monitor the health of the network and receive alerts on security incidents. The quantum cryptography-based intelligent system (100) for unprecedented loT network security according to Claim 1 , which also includes a decentralised blockchain-based ledger (5) to log all network activities and changes, ensuring tamper-proof recording and traceability of security events. The quantum cryptography-based intelligent system (100) for unprecedented IoT network security according to Claim 1 , where the quantum key distribution module (1) and the artificial intelligence analysis engine (2) work synergistically to optimize the balance between security strength and network performance. The quantum cryptography-based intelligent system (100) for unprecedented IoT network security according to Claim 1 that is capable of self-healing, automatically isolating compromised devices, and reconfiguring network parameters to maintain operational integrity in the event of a security breach. The quantum cryptography-based intelligent system (100) for unprecedented IoT network security according to Claim 1 , where the artificial intelligence-based analysis engine (2) uses anomaly detection techniques to identify unusual patterns in the behavior of IoT devices that signal potential security threats. The quantum cryptography-based intelligent system (100) for unprecedented IoT network security according to Claim 1 , which is designed to be scalable and adaptable for different sizes and types of IoT networks, from small home networks to large industrial IoT applications.

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