Bi-directional Authentication via Signed Response Packets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current authentication methods in secure data communications, such as single-factor authentication systems and client-side TLS, are inadequate as they are vulnerable to phishing, man-in-the-middle, and replay attacks, and require costly hardware tokens or complex server configurations.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for bi-directional authentication between a client and a server using a server certificate and token, where the client initiates a secure data transfer link and transmits a response packet containing a full URL, client certificate, and server certificate, signed with a private key, without the need for client-side TLS or hardware tokens, simplifying certificate management and eliminating user action for certificate storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If single-factor authentication (password/PIN) is used, then ease of operation is improved, but security reliability deteriorates due to vulnerability to phishing, man-in-the-middle, and replay attacks
Solution Approach 1:
The authentication process is segmented into distinct phases: initial password-based authentication, certificate exchange phase, and mutual authentication phase. This segmentation allows the system to transition from simple to secure authentication without requiring hardware tokens, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and security reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The server preliminarily authenticates the client using password/PIN before initiating certificate exchange. This preliminary action establishes a secure foundation for subsequent mutual authentication using certificates, enabling the system to maintain both operational simplicity and high security
2Reliability
If hardware tokens or complex server configurations are used for authentication, then security reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses software-based certificate copies stored in the client's certificate store instead of physical hardware tokens. The client certificate and server certificate are exchanged and validated through software, eliminating the need for costly hardware tokens while maintaining strong security through cryptographic verification
Solution Approach 2:
The authentication system is designed to work with existing certificate infrastructure and standard protocols. The server can authenticate multiple clients using the same certificate-based mechanism, and clients can authenticate with multiple servers, providing universal functionality without requiring specialized hardware or complex configurations
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for mutually authenticating an identity and a server is provided in accordance with an aspect of the present invention. The method commences with transmitting a token from the server. Thereafter, the method continues with establishing a secure data transfer link. A server certificate is transmitted during the establishment of the secure data transfer link. The method continues with transmitting a response packet to the server, which is validated thereby upon receipt. The system includes an authentication module that initiates the secure data transfer link and transmits the response packet, and a server authentication module that transmits the token and validates the response packet.