Automobile Secure Communication Using Encrypted Spatial State
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automobiles are vulnerable to relay attacks where a third party intercepts and mimics the communication between a driver's key fob and the car, allowing unauthorized access without the driver's knowledge.
Innovation Solution
Implementing secure, encrypted communication protocols using near and non-near field radio links between a mobile device and an automobile's electronic system, which includes authentication and encryption of spatial state information such as GPS coordinates and accelerometer data to verify the mobile device's proximity and intent.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional unencrypted communication protocols are used between key fob and automobile, then ease of operation is improved, but security against relay attacks deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary authentication system that mediates between the key fob and automobile. This system includes an authentication server that verifies device identities and an encrypted communication channel that protects data transmission, preventing relay attacks while maintaining user convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the communication protocol parameters by implementing encryption algorithms and authentication mechanisms. This changes the communication from unencrypted to encrypted, and from trust-based to verification-based, thereby improving security without significantly impacting ease of operation.
2Reliability
If encrypted communication protocols are implemented, then security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex authentication and encryption logic from the key fob and automobile units and relocates it to a separate authentication server. This centralizes the complexity in a dedicated system while keeping the mobile devices and vehicle systems relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The authentication server provides multi-functional services including device authentication, encryption key management, and communication verification. This universal system handles multiple security functions centrally, reducing the need for each device to independently implement complex security mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile device securely communicates with an electronic device within an automobile. The mobile device transmits encrypted spatial state information, and the electronic device provides commands to the automobile in response. Spatial state information may include location, motion, or the like. Commands to the automobile may include door unlock commands, remote start commands, horn honk commands, or the like.