API Key Authorization via Token Segmentation and Policy Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
API keys are not considered secure as they can be easily accessible and stolen, leading to potential misuse or exposure, which poses a risk to organizations that rely on them for authentication and access to services.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a local authorization server within a private network that enforces policies to manage and secure API key usage by splitting tokens into segments and using client identity attributes to authenticate and authorize access, thereby reducing the risk of unauthorized use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If API keys are used for authentication, then ease of operation is improved, but security is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the authentication process into multiple components: API key validation, transaction identity verification, and policy matching. The API key is combined with a transaction identity to form a composite authentication credential, which is then validated against stored transaction records. This segmentation allows the system to maintain ease of use while adding multiple security layers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a transaction identity as an intermediary element between the API key and the authentication decision. The transaction identity acts as a mediator that links the API key to specific authorized transactions or operations, adding a layer of security control without complicating the user experience.
2Ease of operation
If API keys are made accessible for authentication, then ease of operation is improved, but risk of misuse is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary validation by storing transaction identities and their associated API keys in advance. Before allowing authentication, the system pre-validates the combination of API key and transaction identity against the stored records. This preliminary action prevents misuse by ensuring that only pre-approved transaction-API key combinations are valid.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the authentication result is determined by matching the provided API key and transaction identity against previously stored and validated records. The system provides feedback by accepting or rejecting the authentication attempt based on this matching process, thereby controlling and monitoring API key usage to prevent misuse.
3Reliability
If token segmentation is implemented, then security is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the authentication credential into an API key component and a transaction identity component. This segmentation allows the system to validate each component separately against stored records, improving security by ensuring both components are correct while maintaining manageable complexity through modular validation logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal authentication mechanism that handles multiple authentication scenarios using the same transaction identity-based approach. The transaction identity serves multiple functions: it links the API key to authorized transactions, acts as a validation key, and enables policy-based access control. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity despite the segmented approach.
Data Source
AI summary
In an approach for an API key access authorization, a processor receives a transaction identity, a part of a token, and an API key identity attribute from a server. The transaction identity is generated in the server associated with generating the token. A processor receives a request from a client with the transaction identity for the part of the token. A processor looks up a transaction table via the transaction identity as an index. The transaction identity is associated with the part of the token and the API key identity attribute. A processor retrieves a client identity attribute through a second server via an IP address of the client. The second server registers the client. A processor matches a policy via the API key identity attribute and the client identity attribute. A processor sends the part of the token to the client.