Application Authentication via Certificate and Port Authorization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Despite the use of firewalls and anti-virus programs, networks remain vulnerable to malicious attacks due to the insecurity of password authentication, which can be deciphered or stolen, allowing unauthorized access.
Innovation Solution
A method for authenticating applications to a network service using a valid identity certificate, where the application is authorized to access services only through an authorized port, with each packet containing an embedded key for per-packet authorization, and all communications occurring over encrypted connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If password authentication is used, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates because passwords can be deciphered or stolen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical password authentication system with a cryptographic authentication system using digital certificates and public key infrastructure. Instead of relying on secret passwords that can be stolen, the system uses mathematical cryptography where the application proves its identity through cryptographic signatures without transmitting secrets over the network.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of authentication from shared secret (password) to public key verification. The authentication mechanism transitions from comparing password strings to verifying cryptographic signatures, fundamentally changing how authentication credentials are represented and verified.
2Reliability
If firewalls and anti-virus programs are installed, then network security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements authentication before the application establishes network connectivity or accesses services. The certificate verification and port authorization occur during the connection establishment phase, preventing unauthorized applications from gaining network access in the first place, rather than detecting and blocking them later.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an authentication engine as an intermediary component that verifies application credentials and authorizes port usage. This centralized authentication mechanism replaces distributed firewall and anti-virus checks with a single point of verification that authenticates applications before they can access network services.
3Reliability
If per-packet authorization with embedded keys is implemented, then reliability is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs the computationally intensive certificate verification and key extraction during connection establishment before actual data transmission begins. Once authenticated, the embedded keys are used for rapid per-packet authorization, avoiding repeated full certificate verification for each packet while maintaining security.
Data Source
AI summary
Authenticating applications to a network service includes authenticating an application with a certificate to access a service provider over a logical connection between the application and the service provider and confirming that the application is using an authorized port of the service provider.