Inventions in Trusted Computing

Our inventions represent fundamental breakthroughs in secure systems and distributed computing allowing users to set enforceable policies for digital assets across dynamic, diverse computing platforms and networks. David Maher, Chief Technology Officer

A Vision of Trust

It is virtually impossible for anyone today to picture people functioning without computers, mobile devices and digital networks. They have become such an integral part of modern society that panic often sets in at the slightest disruption. As digital devices have become an intrinsic part of our lives, individuals and enterprises find it increasingly necessary to store their most valuable and sensitive information on their devices, and remotely access this information through network services. These usage patterns have ushered in an acute need for trusted distributed computing, and with it, the fundamental secure computing ideas pioneered by Intertrust over the past two decades.

Until recently, computers were designed with little or no embedded security in mind. The archaic security model for most computers and networks dated back to the birth of computing, where physical mechanisms such as security guards and door locks protected computers and storage devices, and proprietary wiring protected data from being transmitted between remote locations. With the increased use of personal computers and intelligent mobile devices all connected via the the web, weaknesses of this security model rapidly emerged, and it became clear that operating systems of that time were not designed properly to function over open networks.

It was with this in mind that Intertrust’s inventors came up with profound and visionary ideas that solved these problems. We realized that in a world where people used computers and digital devices as extensions of themselves, information would need to be handled as property being processed by a world of independent digital users. Our inventors saw that as with physical property, people would exchange information in digital commerce and enterprises in a way that required such use of the information to be governed by rules. That information would not only need to be protected in transit, while it was being transported through unsecured networks that potentially contained malicious users or software, but that it would also need to be protected while it was at rest (while stored).

Intertrust has grown from its roots in the early ‘90s as a research lab in secure and trusted distributed computing to a vibrant technology company.

A Vision for Trusted Clouds and Big Data Sets

As the web exploded and computers evolved from large calculators locked in office buildings, to PCs, smartphones, tablets and other open networked devices, Intertrust’s inventions became fundamental. Now, an even more profound evolution of technology is happening, where computers surround us, and are embedded in everyday objects that can sense what we are doing, where we have been, and even what we are about to do. Sensing devices can reach into our essence, our DNA, and fantastically complete digital images of our physical and virtual beings are being created. Intertrust is generating new inventions, and improving and extending our existing technology to address these new challenges around security, privacy, and trust management.

The idea that mutual electronic trust between computing processes is an inherent requirement for all digital platforms is unquestioned today. Every modern operating system in use has a protected processing capability that allows software and data to interact in a safe and trusted environment. The ideas upon which Intertrust was founded transcend basic data protection systems and mainstream security and are essential to creating these trusted digital systems. Intertrust’s core technologies create secure environments for data and software, wherever data goes and whoever uses it, and are essential to the way the digital world works today.
The era of “Big Data” systems, where inordinate amounts of information are stored on cloud computing systems distributed across the planet, creates vast opportunities for technologies that ensure that this information is used with policies and rules set by individuals, governments and corporations. Intertrust believes great opportunities exist in providing not only the enabling inventions, but also the web services that can secure and manage these data sets.

Intertrust technologies are critical to the processing of data sets stored in cloud databases that could be vulnerable to malicious attack or misappropriation. The negative consequences of such a breach could range from consumer privacy abuse and healthcare record vulnerabilities to energy grid weaknesses that can make urban infrastructure vulnerable to cyberattack.

To exploit these opportunities and enable the growth of Big Data processing, Intertrust’s Research and Development organization is working to extend its current businesses in digital media protection and management to become a provider of Trusted Big Data Services in five core areas:

• Consumer Behavior Data for Targeted Advertising, Deals and Recommendations >>
• Electric Grid and Network Automotive Big Data
• Cloud Storage of Whole Genome Data and Related Healthcare information >>
• Data and Security Systems for Next Generation Secure Payments
• Trusted Collaboration Systems for Enterprise

The focus of these initiatives is a common thread related to delivering unique technologies for security, privacy and machine learning that can analyze large secure data sets without compromising sensitive information. Intertrust’s vision is broad and goes beyond computers and smartphones and seeks to provide secure services to the “Internet of Things”

With networked digital devices generating vast amounts of data, the ability to secure and manage distributed processing capabilities will provide the trust that is required to realize its full potential. The problems of security, privacy and trust become greater with data sets derived from consumer behavior, patient healthcare information, electric cars, thermostats, light bulbs and domestic appliances. With the convenience of networking comes the threat of cyberattack or data misappropriation; Intertrust’s vision is to provide trusted domains on the Internet that allow people to analyze and share data generated from these devices while manage the threats associated with networking.