Mobile security system

Abstract

An anti-theft system (100) comprising: a mobile device (102); a proximity device (104); and a tether (106) configured to communicatively coupled to the proximity device (104) to the mobile device (102

Description

The present invention relates to security systems for mobile devices. Mobile devices have become more common in modern day society, and as technology advances, portable mobile devices have become smaller in size but more powerful in processing power and memory storage. A personal mobile device may contain a significant amount of personal data of a user, such as contact information, payment information, and photos. Very often the monetary value of the mobile device will be vastly outweighed by the intrinsic value of the data stored on it and the value it has for identity thieves. Therefore, it has become vitally important to secure the data contained on a mobile device from loss or theft. A recent trend in criminal behaviour has involved the use of bikes and mopeds to snatch mobile devices from people, particularly at busy locations such as outside stations, shopping centres or concert venues. Often victims are approached from behind while talking or texting with their mobile device in an unlocked state. The transition of the mobile device state from ‘unlocked’ to ‘locked’ often operates on a time-out basis, in which the mobile device enters the locked state after a predetermined period of time has elapsed without user input. The mobile device state indicates how freely software can be flashed to the mobile device (which can be used to access data on the mobile device) and whether verification is enforced. In the ‘locked’ state, users are prevented from flashing new software to the mobile device, whereas in the ‘unlocked’ state, the mobile device allows modification and access to its stored data. For devices in a ‘stock’ configuration, the transition from an unlocked state to locked state often comprises a three-step sequence: (i) after a first period of inactivity, the screen saver may active, the backlight of the device is dimmed and the device enters an ‘ambient powersaving mode’, whilst in an unlocked state; (ii) after a second period of continued inaction, the screen lock of the mobile device is activated, however, the device remains in an unlocked state; and finally (iii) after a further continued period of inactivity, the device enters a ‘sleep mode’ in which the device is in a locked state. In some instances, the first and second steps can occur simultaneously. Nevertheless, if the locking sequence is interrupted, the mobile device will not transition to the locked state. For example, background applications running on the mobile device (e.g. Satellite Navigation, streaming and video playback applications etc.) may implement a ‘wakelock’ mechanism, which actively prevents the screen lock of the mobile device from activating, thereby preventing the mobile device from transitioning to a locked state. The mobile devices’ access settings can be easily changed whilst in an unlocked mode, providing criminals with a window of opportunity to make the necessary changes to the access settings of the device, after which they will have unvetted access to the victim’s data. Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a system for instantaneously securing access to a user’s mobile device in the event the device is stolen by forcing it into a locked state. According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a system comprising: a mobile device; a mobile device; a proximity device; and a tether configured to communicatively couple the proximity device to the mobile device, wherein the proximity device further comprises: a signal generating means for generating a data signal; a signal transmitting means connected to the signal generating means for transmitting the data signal; and wherein the proximity device is configured to generate and transmit the data signal to the mobile device via the tether in response to a status request from the mobile device and wherein the mobile device is configured to enter a locked state if the data signal is not received by the mobile device within a predetermined period of time. In this way, the system acts as a dead-man switch - without the received data signal, which is used as a proxy for the presence of the user, the mobile device instantaneously enters a locked state, requiring the user input their access credentials into to restore the device’ functionality. The advantage afforded by the invention is the instantaneous securing of the devices’ sensitive content in the event the mobile device is stolen whilst in an unlocked state. This prevents an assailant from changing the access settings of the mobile device and stealing the user’s sensitive information. Preferably, the mobile device is configured to remain in an unrestricted state upon receipt of the data signal. It is preferred that when in the unrestricted state, access to data on the mobile device is unrestricted. In addition, it is preferred that the predetermined period of time is less than 1 second. Preferably, when in the locked state, access to data on the mobile device is restricted. It is also preferred that the data signal comprises data identifying the proximity device. Preferably, the tether conforms to the USB standard. Therefore, configuration of the proximity device with the mobile device will appear automatic to a user. In addition, it is preferred that the tether is configured to be releasably connected to the mobile device. Similarly, it is preferred that the tether is configured to be releasably connected to the proximity device. It is preferred that the mobile device automatically enumerates the proximity device upon connection. It is also preferred that the electronic cable is configured to transfer both data and electrical power. It is preferred that the mobile device is configured to disable all active wakelock operations upon determining that the data signal has not been received by the mobile device within the predetermined period of time. In this way, if the device is stolen whilst an application is running in the background, any active wakelock that would otherwise prevent the device from locking, will be disabled, and the mobile device will be placed in a locked state. Alternatively, the proximity device is comprised within a mobile charging device and wherein the mobile device is further configured to enter a locked state upon determining the mobile charging device has been disconnected from a power source. Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of the mobile security system, in accordance with the present invention; and Figure 2 is a flow diagram of a method of operating the system of Figure 1. Referring to Figure 1 of the drawings, a security system 100 is comprised of three parts: a mobile device 102 of generally conventional form connected to an anchoring device 104 by way of an electronic tether 106. The mobile device 102 may be a mobile phone, mobile communication device, or any other portable computing device such as a tablet computer. The electronic tether 106 is configured to physically, releasably and electrically couple the mobile device 102 to the anchoring device 104 to transfer both power and bi-directional data exchanges. The electronic tether 106 may be integrally coupled to the anchoring device 104 at one end with the remaining free end of the electronic tethering device 106 having an interface element 116 for coupling to an input port of the mobile device 102. Alternatively, both ends of the electronic tethering device 106 may be provided with an interface element 116 for releasably coupling to an input port on both the anchoring 104 and mobile devices 102, such that the electronic tether 106 can be physically and electrically disconnected from both the anchor device 104 and the mobile device 102. The interface element 116 conforms to the USB standard and may be a USB-C interface but is not limited to such a configuration. The interface element 116 may be configured for any mobile device 102 using connectors provided by standards groups for connecting peripherals and accessories to computers and mobile devices 102. The anchoring device 104 is in the general form of a wrist strap having an integrally formed smart control unit 108. The smart control unit 108 comprises a processing component 110 communicatively coupled to a network interface 112 having both sending and receiving communication capability. The smart control unit 108 of the anchor device 104 conforms to the USB standard communication protocol requiring minimal user action. When a user connects the anchor device 104 to the mobile device 102 via the electronic tether 106, a standard enumeration process starts whereby the mobile device 102 detects the presence of and configures the anchoring device 104 to establish a communication path between the mobile device 102 and the anchoring device 104. The enumeration starts by sending a reset signal to the anchoring device 104. The signalling rate of the anchoring device 104 is determined during the reset signalling. After reset, the anchoring device's information is read by the mobile device 102 and the anchoring device 104 is assigned a unique identifier and address. The anchoring device drivers needed for communicating with the mobile device 102 are loaded and the anchoring device 104 is set to a configured state. If the mobile device is restarted (powered down and then back up again) while the anchoring device 104 is connected, the enumeration process is repeated for the anchoring device 104. From the user’s perspective, enumeration is invisible and automatic but may display a message on the mobile device 102 that announces the anchoring device and whether the attempt to configure it has succeeded. Once the enumeration process is complete, the mobile device 102 implements a ‘polling’ mechanism, used to determine whether or not the anchoring device 104 is still physically connected to the mobile device 102 via the electronic tether 106. Polling is a low-level activity whereby the mobile device 102 periodically sends a request over the electronic tether 106 to check the status of the anchoring device 104. This is achieved by the mobile device 102 sending a request for status by polling the unique address assigned to the anchoring device 104 during the enumeration process. The polling rate refers to how frequently the mobile device 102 send a request for status from the anchoring device 104 to which it is attached and may be measured as a rate per second or hertz (Hz). It is envisaged that the polling rate will operate at a rate of 1.0 Hz (one cycle per second). However, the polling rate can be fixed or dynamically adjusted based on factors such system load or the urgency of responsive updates from the anchoring device 104. In use, and upon connection, power is drawn from the mobile device 102 via the electronic tether 106 and is supplied to the processing component 110 and network interface 112 of the smart control unit 108, and the enumeration process described above is performed to configure the anchoring device 104 for communication with the mobile device 102. Once the enumeration process is complete, the mobile device 102 polls the anchoring device by sending a data packet status request to the unique address assigned to the anchoring device 104 via the electronic tether 106. This request forms a first input provided to the processing component 110 via the network interface 112. The processing component 110, in response, causes the network interface 112 to generate a data packet which is transmitted via the electronic tether 106 back to the mobile device 102. The data packet may include an indication of the anchoring device’s readiness or state and is an acknowledgement from the anchoring device 104 to indicate that the polling request has been received correctly. If the anchoring device 104 does not issue a response after a predetermined period of time, the anchoring device 104 is assumed to be disconnected by the mobile device 102. A software interface, shown as application 118, is executed on the mobile device 102. The application 118 allows privileged control of the mobile device 102, giving the application 118 administrative (also known as ‘super user’) permissions, allowing the application 118 to run privileged commands typically unavailable to mobile devices in the ‘stock’ configuration, allowing the application 118 full control of the devices’ functionality. Upon installing the application 118, a set of login credentials will be created for a user. The login credentials may include a PIN code, password, pattern lock and or biometric credentials to verify the user such as facial, fingerprint and / or voice matching credentials. The user can both initialise and deactivate the application 118 using the credentials. Once initialised, the application 118 will display an icon in the system tray of the mobile device 102 and may run in the background as long as the mobile device 102 is powered on, informing the user of its ‘active’ status. Once the application 118 is deactivated, the icon will no longer display in the system tray of the mobile device 102. The functionality of the application 118 includes detecting and disabling all active wakelock functions from applications that are partially awake (running in the background) or fully awake (running in the foreground) on the mobile device 102. In addition, the application may actively transition the mobile device 102 from an unlocked state to a locked state upon detecting a predetermined condition. For example, locking the mobile device 102 may include disabling all active wakelocks operating on the mobile device 102 and subsequently sending a command to the mobile device 102 to enter a sleep mode, disabling the screen such that the device will no longer respond to user input, requiring the user to enter a password or other security credentials using the mobile device 102 before any functionality is restored. Upon detection of a predetermined condition, the application 118 may automatically set the mobile device 102 to an unresponsive state, or any other suitably secure state where the data on the mobile device 102 cannot be accessed until the mobile device 102 is unlocked. In some embodiments of the invention, when in the locked state, the application 118 is configured to ping the location of the mobile device 102 using GPS data or other wireless signal to allow a user to track the approximate location of the mobile device 102 while the locked state remains active. Additional, optional functionality may include the sounding of an alarm to act as a theft deterrent. Figure 2 shows an exemplary flow diagram of the system 100 in accordance with one embodiment. In use, the anchor device 104 and mobile device 102 are connected by way of the electronic tether 106, and the mobile device 102 port indicates a connect status change via the devices’ interrupt endpoint, detecting the presence of the anchor device 104 and takes the necessary steps to configure anchor device 104 for recognition by the mobile device 102 using a standard USB enumeration process at step 200. Once enumerated, the mobile device 102 polls the anchor device 104 at a rate of 1.0 Hz at step 202. As part of the device polling operation, the mobile device 102 transmits a data request via the electronic tether 106 to the anchor device 104. The request is input to the processing component 110 via the network interface 112. The processing component 110, in response, causes the network interface 112 to generate a data packet which is transmitted via the electronic tether 106 back to the mobile device at step 204. The data packet may include an indication of the anchoring device’s readiness or state and is an acknowledgement from the anchoring device 104 to indicate that the polling request has been received correctly and indicating a physical tethered coupling between the anchor 104 and the mobile device 102 and the polling method repeats at step 202 at the specified polling rate. However, if the anchoring device 104 does not issue a response after a predetermined period of time, the anchoring device 104 is assumed to have been disconnected by the mobile device 102 at step 206. At step 208, the user initialises the application 118 which may include an input of the user’s credentials. Once initialised, the application 118, which has administrative permissions, determines whether the mobile device 102 has initiated a polling operation with the anchor device 104, at step 210. If the anchor device 104 has not been polled, the program logic cycles back to the start of step 210 until the application 118 determines that the mobile device 102 has sent a status request to the anchor device 104. At this point, at step 212, the application 118 determines whether or not a response to the status request has been received by the mobile device 102. If, at step 212, the application 118 determines that a response has been received, the application 118 maintains the mobile device 102 in the unlocked state and the program logic cycles back to step 210 where it is repeated at a predetermined rate. However, it the application 118 determines that no response has been received within a predetermined period of time, indicating that the anchor device 104 is no longer tethered to the mobile device 102, the application 118 automatically disables all active wakelocks on the mobile device and forces the mobile device 102 to transition to a sleep mode, thereby locking the mobile device 102 and restricting access to all data on the device 102. The user is then required to unlock the mobile device 102 by inputting their PIN, password or other user credentials before any mobile device 102 functionality is restored. The present description is for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed to narrow the breadth of the present disclosure in any way. Thus, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications might be made to the presently disclosed embodiments without departing from the full and fair scope of the present disclosure. For example, the anchor device 104 may not be in the form of a wrist strap but rather could be constructed appropriately so that it may be attached to a personal item that the user will always be in possession of and may not likely misplace. The anchor device 104 may also be constructed so that it may be attached to the clothing of a user (e.g. a belt clip that can be attached to a user's belt, pants, etc.) or attached to an accessory that may be worn or carried by the user (e.g. a lanyard, tie clip, etc.). In one embodiment, the anchor device 104 may be integrated into a charging device suitable for charging the mobile device 102. In this embodiment, the application is configured to disable all active wakelocks and force the mobile device to transition to a sleep mode upon detecting the charging device has been disconnected from a mains power supply. Reference to an anchor device 104 throughout the application is synonymous with reference to a proximity device. Other aspects, features and advantages will be apparent upon an examination of the attached drawings and appended claims.

Claims

1. A system comprising:a mobile device;a proximity device; anda tether configured to communicatively couple the proximity device to the mobile device, wherein the proximity device further comprises:a signal generating means for generating a data signal;a signal transmitting means connected to the signal generating means for transmitting the data signal; andwherein the proximity device is configured to generate and transmit the data signal to the mobile device via the tether in response to a status request from the mobile device and wherein the mobile device is configured to enter a locked state if the data signal is not received by the mobile device within a predetermined period of time.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the mobile device is configured to remain in an unlocked state upon receipt of the data signal.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein when in the unlocked state, access to data on the mobile device is unrestricted.

4. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the predetermined period of time is less than 1 second.

5. The system of any preceding claim, wherein when in the locked state, access to data on the mobile device is restricted.

6. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the data signal comprises data identifying the proximity device.

7. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the tether conforms to the USB standard.

8. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the tether is configured to be releasably connected to the mobile device.

9. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the tether is configured to be releasably connected to the proximity device.

10. The system of any preceding claim wherein the mobile device automatically enumerates the proximity device upon connection.

11. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the tether is configured to transfer both data and electrical power.

12. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the mobile device is configured to disable all active wakelock operations upon determining that the data signal has not been received by the mobile device within the predetermined period of time.

13. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the proximity device is comprised within a mobile charging device and wherein the mobile device is further configured to enter a locked state upon determining the mobile charging device has been disconnected from a power source.11

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