Authentication Component for Secure Password-Based Login
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Password-based authentication protocols are vulnerable to social engineering attacks, such as phishing, and brute force attacks, as they rely on static passwords that can be compromised, and existing security measures like tokens and security indicators are not foolproof due to human error or computational feasibility.
Innovation Solution
An authentication component that generates new passwords based on a master password using a hash function with constraints, and employs a zero knowledge proof protocol to prevent attackers from determining the user's password, even if the communication channel is compromised, thereby reducing the risk of phishing and brute force attacks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If static passwords are used for authentication, then the authentication process is simple and widely compatible, but the system becomes vulnerable to phishing attacks and brute force attacks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms static passwords into dynamic generated passwords that change with each authentication session. The authentication component generates a unique password for each login attempt using a master password and session-specific data, making each password valid only for that specific session and preventing reuse by attackers
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the fundamental parameter of password stability by introducing time-dependent and session-dependent password generation. The generated passwords incorporate temporal elements and session identifiers, causing passwords to expire and change automatically, thereby preventing offline attacks and phishing effectiveness
2Reliability
If tokens with time-dependent security codes are used, then phishing attacks are prevented, but the system still remains vulnerable to man-in-the-middle attacks and requires additional user actions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the password-based authentication simplicity with token-based security by implementing an authentication component that generates secure passwords locally on the user's device. This combines the convenience of password entry with the security of dynamic token codes, eliminating the need for separate physical tokens while maintaining comparable security levels
Solution Approach 2:
The authentication component acts as an intermediary between the user and the authentication server, generating secure passwords locally and managing the security logic on the client side. This intermediary layer prevents direct exposure of master passwords and implements security protocols without requiring user awareness of the underlying complexity
3Reliability
If security indicators and user vigilance are required, then secure connections can be identified, but human error causes users to fail security checks
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service security by automatically generating and managing secure passwords without requiring user security decisions. The authentication component autonomously handles password generation, validation, and session management, eliminating the need for users to interpret security indicators or make security-related decisions
4Reliability
If generated passwords with hash functions and constraints are used, then brute force attacks become computationally infeasible, but the authentication protocol becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical password verification with cryptographic hash functions and zero knowledge proof protocols. Instead of directly comparing passwords, the system uses mathematical transformations and probabilistic verification methods that provide stronger security guarantees while reducing the computational burden on the server
5Reliability
If zero knowledge proof protocols are implemented, then password determination is prevented even with compromised communication channels, but the authentication process requires advanced cryptographic operations
Solution Approach 1:
The authentication component serves as a cryptographic intermediary that implements zero knowledge proof protocols, allowing verification of authentication credentials without transmitting or exposing the actual password. This intermediary handles the complex cryptographic operations locally, protecting the master password from exposure during communication
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of a system and method for secure password-based authentication are described. The system and method for secure password-based authentication may include an authentication component configured to request and receive authentication from an authenticating system according to a secure password-based authentication protocol. The authentication component may be configured to participate in an attack-resistant password-based authentication protocol such that an attacker who has compromised the authorizing system and/or a communication channel between the authentication component and the authenticating system may not determine a user's password and/or impersonate the user. In one embodiment, the authentication component may be configured to provide its attack-resistant password-based authentication functionality to an application (e.g., through a stand-alone application, plugin, or application extension). For instance, the authentication component may enable a web browser to participate in the attack-resistant password-based authentication protocol in order to access an online bank account from a web server.