Authenticated QR Codes for Secure Financial Transactions
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Solution Overview
Problem
QR codes lack security or authentication procedures, posing a significant risk in sensitive use cases such as financial transactions.
Innovation Solution
Implementing QR code authentication using truly random numbers known only to the initiating and participating devices, facilitated by quantum key distribution (QKD) to verify the authenticity of QR codes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If QR codes are used for sensitive transactions without authentication, then ease of operation is improved, but security and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary authentication by embedding a digital signature in the QR code before the transaction occurs. The receiving device verifies this signature in advance before processing the transaction, preventing unauthorized manipulation while maintaining smooth operation flow
Solution Approach 2:
A digital signature acts as an intermediary authentication mechanism between the QR code generator and the receiving device. This intermediary layer verifies the authenticity of the QR code without requiring direct complex authentication protocols, thus maintaining ease of operation while enhancing security
2Reliability
If QR code authentication using quantum key distribution is implemented, then security and reliability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex quantum key distribution and digital signature generation processes into separate dedicated modules within the device architecture. This allows the core QR code generation function to remain simple while isolating the complex authentication mechanisms into specialized components that can be managed independently
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of authentication from simple visual verification to cryptographic verification using digital signatures. This parameter change enables high security through mathematical guarantees while the implementation is simplified by using standardized cryptographic libraries and protocols
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, apparatuses, methods, and computer program products are disclosed for secure utilization of quick response (QR) codes. An example method includes obtaining a key known to the initiating device and a participating device, and identifying, by QR code processing circuitry of the initiating device, a payload to be encoded in a QR code. The example method further includes generating, by security circuitry of the initiating device and based on the payload and the key, a secure character string, creating, by the QR code processing circuitry of the initiating device, the QR code using the secure character string, and outputting the QR code by the communications hardware of the initiating device.