Backend-Mediated Trust Extension for Multi-Device Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication frameworks face challenges in simplifying device verification and trust-pairing processes, especially when multiple devices are involved in a conversation, requiring secure pairing even for inactive devices.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method forms trust relationships between devices of different users using a backend system, maintaining journals of trusted devices and their communication history, enabling secure communication based on established trust relationships.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If secure pairing is established between all devices in a conversation, then communication security is improved, but the complexity of device verification and trust-pairing processes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the trust relationship into two distinct components: (1) trust relationships between devices of the same user account, and (2) trust relationships between devices of different user accounts. This segmentation allows the system to manage complexity by handling same-account device trust automatically through account verification, while different-account device trust is established through controlled pairing processes initiated only when needed for communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the user account as an intermediary layer that mediates trust relationships between devices. Instead of requiring direct pairwise trust verification between all devices, the user account serves as a trusted intermediary that vouches for device identities, simplifying the trust establishment process while maintaining security.
2Reliability
If trust relationships are maintained for inactive devices, then security is improved, but the overhead of maintaining trust relationships increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic trust relationship model where trust is actively maintained only for devices that are currently needed for communication. Trust relationships are established on-demand when devices need to communicate and are automatically revoked or expired when no longer needed, rather than maintaining static long-term trust relationships for all devices including inactive ones.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the temporal parameter of trust relationships from permanent/long-term to temporary/session-based. Trust relationships have associated validity periods or conditions that cause them to expire automatically after use, transforming the trust model from a static state to a dynamic one that adapts to actual communication needs.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method, in a communication framework in which each of a plurality of users has one or more devices associated therewith, and in which the users use at least some of their devices to communicate via a backend system. A first user has a first set of first one or more associated trusted devices, and a second user has a second set of second one or more trusted devices associated therewith. The first user forms a first cryptographic trust relationship between a first device in the first set and a second device in the second set. Based on (i) the first cryptographic trust relationship, and (ii) the second set associated with the second user, the first user forms corresponding second cryptographic trust relationships between each device in the first set and each device in the second set. A least one device in the first set communicates with one or more devices in the second set based on the second trust relationship.