Secure Artwork Management in E-commerce Solution

Public Key Encryption

02/15/2024 - Peter Unsworth
INTRODUCTION

This technical documentation explores the innovative approach implemented in a multi-merchant e-commerce solution dedicated to selling designs on various merchandise.

The focal point of this solution lies in the robust protection of artists’ work through the utilization of public key encryption. This report delves into the key elements of this encryption strategy and the secure workflow involved in safeguarding digital artwork throughout the production process.

In addition to safeguarding the integrity of digital artwork through robust encryption, the multi-merchant e-commerce solution incorporates an advanced print allocation system. This system serves as a pivotal component, providing a nuanced level of control over the production process. Beyond the conventional encryption methods, this innovative approach ensures not only the protection of artistic creations but also the strategic and efficient utilization of production resources.

WORKFLOW COMPONENTS

The multi-merchant e-commerce solution provides a platform for customers to purchase designs that will be printed on a range of merchandise. A unique feature of this system is the integration of a secure digital artwork management process, ensuring the protection of intellectual property and artistic creations.

A unique feature of this system is the integration of a secure digital artwork management process, ensuring the protection of intellectual property and artistic creations.

Sets a new standard for securing digital artwork and controlling the production process.

01 – Order Routing

Customer purchases trigger order routing to a designated producer.

02 – Encryption

Artwork and associated data are encrypted with the producer’s public key and stored in the cloud.

03 – Decryption

The producer is promptly notified of the incoming order and the encrypted package is retrieved and decrypted with the producer’s private key.

04 – Decrement Allocations

After a print is complete, the allocations are decremented.

PUBLIC KEY ENCRYPTION

Public key encryption, is a cryptographic technique that employs a pair of keys – a public key and a private key – to secure and transmit data in a secure manner. This intricate system plays a critical role in the multi-merchant e-commerce solution’s security architecture, specifically in protecting digital artwork and associated allocation data. Let’s delve into the key components and processes involved in public key encryption:

01 – Key Pair Generation

A producer involved in the e-commerce platform generates a unique pair of cryptographic keys – a public key and a private key. These keys are mathematically linked, ensuring that data encrypted with one key can only be decrypted with the other.

02 – Public Key Distribution

The producer’s public key is made widely accessible and can be shared openly. In the context of the e-commerce solution, this public key is utilized to encrypt the digital artwork and associated data before persisting in the cloud.

03 – Private Key Confidentiality

The producer guards the private key with the utmost confidentiality. It remains securely stored and is only accessible to the designated producer. This private key is crucial for decrypting any data encrypted with the corresponding public key.

PRINT MANAGEMENT SOLUTION

The key component of the system is the development of a custom print management solution (PM). The installable desktop application is the connection between the cloud based sales platform and the producers print hardware.

Process:

  • Encrypted packages reside in the cloud, each transaction uniquely identified.
  • The initiation of PM is executed through a custom protocol, transmitting the associated unique identifier.
  • PM initiates a request for the encrypted package.
  • The returned package undergoes decryption attempts by PM.
  • Upon successful decryption, the print process continues.
  • On successful completion of the print job, PM communicates back to the cloud, updating relevant data with a decremented print allocation.

Print Allocation System:

  • Representation of Print Allocations:
    • The respective quantity purchased by the customer is represented to the print management solution as a print allocation.
  • Storage of Allocation Data:
    • Alongside the artwork, data related to print allocations is stored, ensuring a transparent connection between purchased quantities and available print resources.
  • Print Job Execution:
    • After a print is complete, the allocations are decremented.
  • Prevention of Overprinting:
    • If a producer attempts to print when remaining print allocations are zero, they are unable to complete the print job, preventing unauthorized or excess printing.

 

Benefits of Public Key Encryption and Print Allocation System:

  • Artistic Integrity:
    • Preserves the integrity of artists’ work by ensuring only authorized producers can access and reproduce the artwork, coupled with controlled print allocations.
  • Secure Collaboration:
    • Facilitates secure collaboration between artists and producers, fostering a trusted environment for digital asset sharing.
  • Resource Management:
    • Efficiently manages print resources, preventing overprinting and ensuring optimal utilization of available allocations.
CONCLUSION

The combined implementation of public key encryption and the print allocation system in the multi-merchant e-commerce solution sets a new standard for securing digital artwork and controlling the production process.

This innovative approach not only protects intellectual property but also establishes a framework for responsible resource management in the digital production landscape, ensuring the continued success and sustainability of the e-commerce platform.