Access Token Generation for Secure Third-Party App Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users are hesitant to grant access to their private information to third-party software applications, especially when logging into social networking websites through third-party devices, due to security concerns and the inconvenience of manual login processes.
Innovation Solution
A system where a user's device generates an access token based on a third-party application's APP ID and device ID, allowing secure access to user information without manual login, using proximity-based communication methods like RFID, NFC, or QR Codes, and storing access tokens on a remote server for secure retrieval by the third-party application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If users manually log into third-party applications, then security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary authentication by generating access tokens in advance through proximity-based communication between the user device and third-party device. This preliminary action stores authentication results securely, eliminating the need for repeated manual logins while maintaining security through token-based access control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary authentication mechanism using access tokens as mediators between the user and third-party applications. These tokens are generated through proximity communication and serve as secure intermediaries that grant access without requiring direct manual login credentials, thus balancing security and convenience.
2Ease of operation
If users grant access to third-party applications, then ease of operation is improved, but security deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the parameter of access control from permanent credential sharing to temporary token-based access. Access tokens have defined lifecycles and can be revoked, transforming the security model from high-risk permanent access to controlled temporary access, thereby maintaining ease of operation while improving security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic access control where authentication is established through real-time proximity communication. Access tokens are generated dynamically based on current authentication states and can be revoked or expire, making the security system adaptive rather than static, thus balancing convenience with security.
3Ease of operation
If permanent access tokens are used, then ease of operation is improved, but harmful factors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic authentication through expiring access tokens that require renewal after a defined period. This periodic action ensures that even if tokens are compromised, the window for unauthorized use is limited, reducing harmful factors while maintaining operational convenience through automatic renewal mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates preliminary anti-action by implementing token expiration and revocation mechanisms that preemptively counter potential unauthorized use. Before permanent damage can occur from compromised credentials, the system automatically invalidates access tokens, preventing harmful effects while maintaining ease of operation for legitimate users.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a first computing device receives an access token from a second computing device, the access token being generated by the second computing device for a specific software application executing on a specific computing device; stores the access token; receives a request for the access token from a software application executing on a third computing device; verifies whether the software application is the same as the specific software application and the third computing device is the same as the specific computing device for which the access token is generated; and sends the access token to the third computing device only when the software application is the same as the specific software application and the third computing device is the same as the specific computing device for which the access token is generated.