Adaptive Encryption Switching for Mobile Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Mobile computing devices face challenges in dynamically adapting their security levels based on varying states, such as lock status, password protection, and location, to effectively balance security and performance.

Innovation Solution

The method involves determining the state of a mobile computing device and automatically switching between multiple security levels by selecting appropriate encryption algorithms, with each level offering progressively more electronic countermeasures and slower performance, using AES algorithms with varying amounts of countermeasures based on the device's state, such as being locked or unlocked.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If stronger encryption algorithms with more electronic countermeasures are used, then security level is improved, but processing speed deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity levelVSAvoidprocessing speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic switching between different encryption algorithms based on the device's operational state. When the device is locked, stronger encryption with more electronic countermeasures is applied; when unlocked, weaker encryption is used. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by adjusting security strength to match actual security needs, improving speed when full security is not required while maintaining high security when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes encryption parameters (algorithm strength, countermeasure intensity) based on device state parameters such as lock status. By varying these parameters dynamically, the system achieves both high security when necessary and high performance when possible, resolving the trade-off between security strength and processing speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple encryption algorithms with varying countermeasures are implemented, then adaptability to different security contexts is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptive security capabilityVSAvoidencryption system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the encryption system into multiple distinct algorithms, each optimized for specific security contexts. Rather than one complex adaptive algorithm, the system uses several simpler algorithms that can be selectively applied based on device state, achieving adaptability while managing complexity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The encryption system is designed to perform multiple functions by selecting from different algorithms based on context. The same encryption framework handles both high-security locked states and lower-security unlocked states, providing universal security coverage across different operational modes without requiring separate systems for each state.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2466523B1Method and apparatus for securing a computing device
Publication Date: 2015.04.29 BLACKBERRY LTD
  • EP2466523B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2466523B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2466523B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method and apparatus for securing a computing device are provided. A state of the computing device is determined, the state associated with a protection state. The computing device is automatically switching between a plurality of security levels based on the state.