Security Architecture & Cryptographic Whitepaper

A comprehensive technical deep dive into SparkVault's revolutionary security architecture, quantum-safe cryptography, and hardware-enforced isolation mechanisms that redefine data protection standards.

Table of Contents

I. Executive Summary

II. Security Philosophy & Architecture

III. Cryptographic Key Management

IV. Hardware-Enforced Isolation

V. Quantum-Safe Cryptography

VI. Data Protection Models

VII. Cryptographic Flows & Protocols

VIII. Vault Access Token System

IX. Compliance & Auditability

X. Performance & Scalability

XI. Threat Model & Attack Vectors

XII. Technical Specifications

I. Executive Summary

SparkVault represents a paradigm shift in data security architecture, implementing a revolutionary Triple Zero-Trust model that ensures no single entity—including SparkVault itself—can unilaterally access encrypted data. This whitepaper provides comprehensive technical documentation of our quantum-safe cryptographic architecture, hardware-enforced isolation mechanisms, and innovative key management systems.

At its core, SparkVault employs a distributed cryptographic architecture where sensitive operations occur exclusively within AWS Nitro Enclaves, creating hardware-isolated Trusted Execution Environments (TEEs) that provide cryptographic attestation and ephemeral key processing. Our implementation of NIST-standardized post-quantum cryptography ensures long-term data protection against quantum computing threats.

Key Security Features

  • • Triple Zero-Trust Architecture
  • • Hardware-Enforced Isolation
  • • Quantum-Safe Cryptography
  • • FIPS 140-2 Level 3 Compliance
  • • Cryptographic Attestation

Compliance Standards

  • • FIPS 140-2 Level 3 Validated
  • • SOC 2 Type II Compliant
  • • ISO 27001 Certified
  • • GDPR Compliant
  • • HIPAA Compatible

Technical Specifications

  • • AES-256 GCM Encryption
  • • CRYSTALS-Kyber ML-KEM
  • • RSA-4096 OAEP
  • • HMAC-SHA512
  • • Argon2id KDF

II. Security Philosophy & Architecture

The Triple Zero-Trust Philosophy

Traditional security models rely on perimeter defense and trusted entities. SparkVault's Triple Zero-Trust model operates on the principle that no single entity, no combination of two entities, and no infrastructure component can unilaterally access encrypted data. This is achieved through cryptographic distribution across three independent, mathematically isolated parties.

1. SparkVault Domain

Controls the SparkVault Account Key (SVAK), providing the first cryptographic component while maintaining zero knowledge of the complete decryption key.

  • • AWS KMS-managed keys
  • • FIPS 140-2 Level 3 validated
  • • AES-256 GCM encryption
  • • Post-quantum enhancement

2. Customer Hardware Domain

Manages the Enclave Account Key (EAK) within dedicated AWS CloudHSM clusters, providing hardware-backed cryptographic operations.

  • • CloudHSM-isolated storage
  • • RSA-4096 OAEP encryption
  • • Hardware tamper resistance
  • • Customer-controlled access

3. Client Control Domain

Provides the Client Vault Key (CVK), an alphanumeric string that serves as the final cryptographic component in the decryption chain.

  • • Client-generated and held
  • • Argon2id key derivation
  • • Enclave-only processing
  • • No server-side storage

Architectural Security Principles

Defense in Depth

Multiple independent security layers ensure that compromise of any single component does not result in data exposure.

  • • Cryptographic isolation
  • • Hardware security boundaries
  • • Network segmentation
  • • Attestation-based verification
  • • Ephemeral key processing

Cryptographic Agility

Design supports algorithm transition and post-quantum migration without architectural changes.

  • • Modular algorithm selection
  • • Hybrid cryptographic schemes
  • • Forward compatibility
  • • Seamless key rotation
  • • Standards compliance

III. Cryptographic Key Management

Key Hierarchy & Distribution

SparkVault implements a sophisticated key hierarchy designed to distribute cryptographic control across multiple domains while maintaining operational efficiency. Each key type serves a specific purpose in the overall security architecture and is protected by appropriate cryptographic mechanisms.

SparkVault Account Key (SVAK)

Technical Specifications
  • Algorithm: AES-256 in GCM (Galois/Counter Mode)
  • Key Size: 256-bit symmetric key
  • Storage: Amazon KMS with hardware security modules
  • Compliance: FIPS 140-2 Level 3 validated
  • Quantum Enhancement: Post-Quantum Cryptography Key (PQCK) integration
Security Properties
  • Isolation: Per-account key generation and isolation
  • Performance: Optimized for high-frequency operations
  • Attestation: Hardware-backed key attestation
  • Rotation: Automated key rotation with zero downtime
  • Backup: Geographically distributed key escrow

Cryptographic Flow

The SVAK serves as the outermost encryption layer, providing the first cryptographic transformation in the decryption chain. It utilizes AES-256 GCM for optimal performance and security, with authenticated encryption ensuring both confidentiality and integrity.

plaintext_component = AES_GCM_decrypt(SVAK, encrypted_component)
verify_authentication_tag(auth_tag, associated_data)

Enclave Account Key (EAK)

Technical Specifications
  • Algorithm: RSA-4096 with OAEP padding
  • Key Size: 4096-bit asymmetric key pair
  • Storage: AWS CloudHSM dedicated clusters
  • Compliance: FIPS 140-2 Level 3 hardware security
  • Padding: OAEP with SHA-256 hash function
Security Properties
  • Tamper Resistance: Hardware security module protection
  • Customer Control: Dedicated HSM cluster per customer
  • Probabilistic Padding: OAEP provides semantic security
  • Key Generation: True random number generation in HSM
  • Attestation: Hardware-backed key attestation

Cryptographic Rationale

RSA-4096 with OAEP padding provides asymmetric encryption with high security margins. The choice of asymmetric cryptography at this layer introduces mathematical diversity in the key hierarchy, while OAEP padding ensures semantic security against chosen plaintext attacks.

second_component = RSA_OAEP_decrypt(EAK_private, encrypted_second_component)
verify_oaep_padding(padding_parameters, sha256_hash)

Client Vault Key (CVK)

Technical Specifications
  • Input Format: Alphanumeric string (client-defined)
  • Key Derivation: Argon2id with high iteration count
  • Processing Location: AWS Nitro Enclaves exclusively
  • Memory Requirements: Configurable memory-hard parameters
  • Resistance: Side-channel attack mitigation
Security Properties
  • Client Control: Generated and held exclusively by client
  • Zero Knowledge: Never stored on SparkVault infrastructure
  • Brute Force Resistance: Computationally intensive derivation
  • Ephemeral Processing: Processed only within TEE
  • Memory Hardness: Resistance to ASIC-based attacks

Argon2id Key Derivation

Argon2id combines resistance to both side-channel and time-memory trade-off attacks. The algorithm is tuned for security while maintaining acceptable performance for vault unsealing operations.

derived_key = Argon2id(CVK_string, salt, t=iterations, m=memory_kb, p=parallelism)
third_component = HMAC_SHA512(derived_key, vault_context)

SparkVault Internal Post-Quantum Cryptography Key (PQCK)

Technical Specifications
  • Algorithm: CRYSTALS-Kyber (ML-KEM)
  • Standard: NIST FIPS 203 compliant
  • Key Size: Variable (512, 768, 1024-bit security levels)
  • Storage: Encrypted within Nitro Enclaves
  • Usage: Quantum-safe component derivation
Security Properties
  • Quantum Resistance: Lattice-based cryptography
  • Future Proofing: Protection against quantum attacks
  • Standards Compliance: NIST standardized algorithm
  • Key Encapsulation: Secure key establishment
  • Enclave Protection: Hardware-isolated processing

Quantum-Safe Integration

The PQCK provides quantum-safe enhancement to the traditional cryptographic components. It works in conjunction with the CVK to create a quantum-resistant key component that maintains security even against future quantum computing capabilities.

quantum_component = ML_KEM_decrypt(PQCK_private, encapsulated_key)
combined_key = KDF(CVK_derived + quantum_component, context)

IV. Hardware-Enforced Isolation

AWS Nitro Enclaves Architecture

All cryptographic operations, including quantum-safe aspects, involving the Vault Key string occur server-side within the AWS Nitro Enclave. The Enclave acts as the secure, auditable "third party" for these operations, providing hardware-enforced isolation that ensures even privileged access to the host system cannot compromise the cryptographic processing.

Isolation Guarantees

  • CPU Isolation: Dedicated CPU cores with hardware-enforced boundaries
  • Memory Isolation: Encrypted memory regions inaccessible to hypervisor
  • Network Isolation: Secure communication channels with attestation
  • Storage Isolation: No persistent storage, ephemeral processing only

Attestation Mechanism

  • Code Attestation: Cryptographic verification of enclave code integrity
  • Platform Attestation: Hardware-backed proof of genuine Nitro Enclave
  • Continuous Monitoring: Real-time integrity verification
  • Audit Trail: Immutable record of all attestation events

Trusted Execution Environment (TEE) Properties

Confidentiality Guarantees

  • • Memory encryption with hardware keys
  • • Side-channel attack resistance
  • • Secure key derivation within TEE
  • • Ephemeral plaintext key processing
  • • Automatic memory wiping on termination

Integrity Assurance

  • • Cryptographic attestation of code integrity
  • • Hardware-based root of trust
  • • Immutable audit logging
  • • Tamper-evident processing
  • • Secure boot process verification

V. Quantum-Safe Cryptography

Post-Quantum Cryptography Implementation

SparkVault's quantum-safe architecture is built upon NIST-standardized post-quantum cryptographic algorithms, specifically CRYSTALS-Kyber (ML-KEM) as defined in FIPS 203. This implementation provides protection against both classical and quantum cryptanalytic attacks.

CRYSTALS-Kyber

  • Type: Key Encapsulation Mechanism (KEM)
  • Security: Module-LWE problem hardness
  • Standard: NIST FIPS 203
  • Quantum Resistance: >2^128 classical, >2^64 quantum
  • Performance: Optimized for efficiency

Hybrid Approach

  • Classical + Quantum-Safe: Dual algorithm protection
  • Backwards Compatibility: Existing systems supported
  • Transition Ready: Seamless migration path
  • Standards Compliant: FIPS and NIST approved
  • Future Proof: Algorithm agility designed

Integration Points

  • Vault Master Key: Quantum-safe component
  • Key Derivation: PQC-enhanced KDF
  • Enclave Processing: Hardware-isolated operations
  • Attestation: Quantum-safe verification
  • Forward Secrecy: Quantum-resistant properties

HMAC-SHA512 Quantum Resistance

The Vault Access Token (VAT) system employs HMAC with SHA-512, providing resistance to Grover's quantum algorithm. While quantum computers can reduce the effective security of hash functions, SHA-512 with its 512-bit output provides sufficient security margin even against quantum attacks.

Quantum Security Analysis

  • Classical Security: 2^512 operations
  • Quantum Security: 2^256 operations (Grover's algorithm)
  • Effective Security: >2^200 practical security
  • Collision Resistance: Quantum-resistant properties
  • HMAC Properties: Additional security margin

Implementation Details

  • Key Size: 512-bit HMAC key
  • Output Size: 512-bit authentication tag
  • Processing: Enclave-only computation
  • Verification: Constant-time comparison
  • Rotation: Automatic key rotation

VI. Data Protection Models

2-of-2 Security Model: Sparks

Sparks utilize a simplified 2-of-2 security model designed for ephemeral, burn-after-read data. This model provides strong security while maintaining optimal performance for high-frequency, short-lived operations.

Key Components

1. SparkVault Account Key (SVAK)

AES-256 GCM encryption managed by SparkVault KMS infrastructure

2. Enclave Account Key (EAK)

RSA-4096 OAEP encryption managed by customer CloudHSM

Decryption Flow

  1. 1. Retrieve encrypted Spark Data Key (SDK)
  2. 2. First layer: SVAK decryption via KMS
  3. 3. Second layer: EAK decryption via CloudHSM
  4. 4. Reconstruct plaintext SDK
  5. 5. Decrypt Spark content
  6. 6. Automatic destruction (burn-after-read)

Security Properties

  • • Neither party can unilaterally decrypt
  • • Quantum-safe encryption algorithms
  • • Hardware-enforced processing
  • • Automatic TTL enforcement
  • • Comprehensive audit logging

3-of-3 Security Model: Vaults

Vaults implement the full Triple Zero-Trust model with 3-of-3 security, ensuring that no single entity, including SparkVault, can access encrypted data without client participation.

Key Components

1. SparkVault Account Key (SVAK)

AES-256 GCM with post-quantum enhancement

2. Enclave Account Key (EAK)

RSA-4096 OAEP in dedicated CloudHSM

3. Client Vault Key (CVK)

Client-controlled string with Argon2id derivation

Decryption Flow

  1. 1. Client provides CVK for vault unsealing
  2. 2. First layer: SVAK decryption
  3. 3. Second layer: EAK decryption in CloudHSM
  4. 4. Third layer: CVK + PQCK derivation in Enclave
  5. 5. Multi-input KDF reconstructs VMK
  6. 6. VMK decrypts Ingot Data Key (IDK)
  7. 7. IDK decrypts Ingot content
  8. 8. Generate VAT for session efficiency

Security Properties

  • • Triple zero-trust architecture
  • • Quantum-safe key components
  • • Hardware-isolated processing
  • • Client-controlled access
  • • Comprehensive attestation

VIII. Vault Access Token (VAT) System

VAT Architecture & Implementation

The Vault Access Token (VAT) serves as a temporary, cryptographically protected proxy for the client's direct contribution to decryption (their CVK string's influence on the VMK). This system provides significant performance optimization for subsequent vault operations while maintaining the security properties of the full 3-of-3 architecture.

VAT Generation Process

  1. 1. Initial Unseal: Client provides CVK string for first-time vault access
  2. 2. Full 3-of-3 Process: Complete decryption chain executes in Enclave
  3. 3. VMK Reconstruction: Vault Master Key successfully derived
  4. 4. VAT Creation: Short-lived token generated within Enclave
  5. 5. Token Encryption: VAT encrypted with session-specific key
  6. 6. HMAC Authentication: SHA-512 HMAC for integrity verification

VAT Utilization Flow

  1. 1. Subsequent Requests: Client sends VAT instead of CVK
  2. 2. Token Validation: HMAC signature and expiration verified
  3. 3. Enclave Processing: VAT decrypted within secure environment
  4. 4. Session Key Access: VMK reference extracted from VAT
  5. 5. Direct Decryption: Bypass full 3-of-3 reconstruction
  6. 6. Content Delivery: Ingot content delivered to client

Technical Specifications

Cryptographic Properties
  • Authentication: HMAC-SHA512
  • Encryption: AES-256-GCM
  • Key Derivation: Session-specific keys
  • Quantum Resistance: SHA-512 Grover resistance
  • Forward Secrecy: Ephemeral session keys
Operational Parameters
  • Validity Period: Configurable (default: 1 hour)
  • Scope: Single vault per token
  • Revocation: Immediate invalidation support
  • Renewal: Automatic token refresh
  • Audit Trail: Comprehensive logging

Performance Optimization

The VAT system provides substantial performance improvements for vault operations while maintaining the security guarantees of the full Triple Zero-Trust architecture.

Latency Reduction

  • Initial Unseal: 500-800ms (full 3-of-3)
  • VAT Operations: 50-100ms (optimized)
  • Improvement: 80-90% latency reduction
  • Throughput: 10x increase in operations/second

Resource Efficiency

  • CPU Usage: 70% reduction per operation
  • Memory: Reduced Argon2id computations
  • Network: Fewer HSM interactions
  • Scalability: Higher concurrent operations

Security Preservation

  • Zero Trust: Maintains security model
  • Attestation: Continuous verification
  • Isolation: Enclave-only processing
  • Audit: Complete operation logging

XII. Technical Specifications

Cryptographic Algorithms

AES-256-GCM

Symmetric encryption for SVAK operations

RSA-4096-OAEP

Asymmetric encryption for EAK operations

CRYSTALS-Kyber

Post-quantum key encapsulation mechanism

Argon2id

Password hashing and key derivation

HMAC-SHA512

Message authentication and VAT signing

Security Parameters

Classical Security

≥128-bit equivalent security level

Quantum Security

≥64-bit post-quantum security level

Key Sizes

AES: 256-bit, RSA: 4096-bit, Kyber: variable

Hash Functions

SHA-256, SHA-512, SHA-3 (selected contexts)

Random Number Generation

Hardware-based entropy sources

Experience Unprecedented Security

Deploy SparkVault's revolutionary security architecture to protect your most sensitive data with quantum-safe, hardware-enforced, zero-trust protection.