CloudUTrust: Symmetric Searchable Encryption and Attribute-Based Encryption for cloud security and privacy
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | RISE Research Institutes of Sweden AB - SICS Kista |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 400 592 |
| Project duration | December 2017 - July 2018 |
| Status | Completed |
Purpose and goal
Symmetric Searchable Encryption (SSE), in combination with Attribute-Based Encryption (ABE) and running in isolated execution environments (IEE) can improve the security of cloud-based services and the trust of cloud users in such services. The project has contributed with a definition of the problem scope and with several well-defined use cases, particularly relevant for the e-health sector. The project identified specific tasks and challenges that must be addressed in order to successfully leverage the combination of SSE, ABE and IEE.
Expected results and effects
Specific challenges for combining Symmetric Searchable Encryption (SSE) and Attribute-Based Encryption (ABE) were identified. Mechanisms for leveraging SSE and ABE in combination with Isolated Execution Environments (IEE) were designed on a high level. Solutions and concepts for increasing the trustworthiness of cloud services the the combination of SSE, ABE and IEE were analysed and reviewed. Use cases describing the applications of solutions based on SSE, ABE and IEE were described, with a particular focus on the healthcare domain.
Planned approach and implementation
The project was conducted as follows: (1) review of the state of the art in the area SSE, ABE and IEE; (2) problem definition and identification of feasible approaches for combining the strengths and functional advantages of SSE, ABE, and IEE; (3) formulation of specific use cases and solutions that leverage SSE ABE and IEE; (4) Evaluation of possible business opportunities for results application, with a particular focus on the e-health domain, that presents significant opportunities for privacy-preserving digitalisation solutions.