Authentication Timer Circuit for Secure Data Scrambling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Information handling systems face challenges in ensuring secure data logout and preventing unauthorized access, as existing technologies lack robust multi-factor authentication mechanisms to verify user credentials and ensure data integrity during logout processes.
Innovation Solution
An information handling system incorporating a signal detector circuit and authentication timer circuit to receive signal interrupts from multiple sources, initiating data scrambling or destruction if configured authentication credentials are not completed within a set time duration, and requiring reauthentication upon reboot to ensure secure data access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple authentication credentials are required for logout, then data security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The authentication mechanism is segmented into multiple independent credential types (biometric, cryptographic, physical presence credentials). Each credential can be processed by separate circuits or modules within the information handling system, allowing the security function to be divided into manageable parts that can be implemented without requiring a single complex monolithic system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary authentication actions before data logout is complete. Multiple credentials are verified in advance, and the authentication timer circuit is activated to monitor time duration. This preliminary verification ensures that only authorized users can access data, strengthening security before the actual data access occurs.
2Reliability
If authentication time duration is extended, then authentication security is improved, but user convenience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The authentication timer circuit is activated in advance when the user initiates the logout process, beginning to monitor the time duration before data access is granted. This preliminary timing action ensures that authentication occurs within an acceptable time frame while maintaining security requirements, preventing indefinite delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback to the user during the authentication process by monitoring time duration and comparing it against configured thresholds. If authentication is not completed within the expected time, the system can provide feedback signals to alert the user or automatically timeout the process, balancing security with user convenience.
3Reliability
If data scrambling is initiated immediately upon authentication failure, then data protection is improved, but system response time worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The scrambler module is activated in advance upon detection of authentication failure or unauthorized access attempts, beginning data scrambling before the system can be fully compromised. This preliminary protective action ensures data is protected as soon as a security breach is detected, minimizing the window for potential data theft.
Solution Approach 2:
The authentication timer circuit acts as an intermediary between the authentication failure detection and data scrambling activation. It monitors the time duration and controls when the scrambler module engages, ensuring that data protection is initiated promptly but in a controlled manner that allows for proper system response and user notification.
Data Source
AI summary
An information handling system with improved data security has a signal detector circuit to receive a signal interrupt from a plurality of signal interrupt sources, and an authentication timer circuit that starts measuring a configured time duration based upon the received signal interrupt. A scrambler module initiates data scrambling upon completion of the configured time duration.