Bi-directional Authentication via Server-Issued Tokens
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current authentication methods in secure data communications, such as those used in banking and financial services, rely heavily on single-factor authentication, which is vulnerable to attacks like phishing and man-in-the-middle attacks, and require expensive hardware tokens or cumbersome client-side TLS implementation, lacking a straightforward method for bi-directional client and server authentication without tokens or client-side TLS.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for bi-directional authentication using a public key infrastructure (PKI) certificate, where a client and server mutually authenticate through a token-based system that initiates a secure data transfer link, utilizing a symmetric TLS connection and digital certificates conforming to the X.509 standard, without the need for hardware tokens or client-side TLS deployment, and integrates easily with existing servers and clients.
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 and man-in-the-middle attacks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple authentication factors (something the user knows - password/PIN, something the user has - server-issued token, and something the user is - biometric data) into a composite authentication system. This multi-layered approach ensures that even if one factor is compromised, the system remains secure, thereby improving reliability while maintaining operational ease through automated multi-factor verification.
2Reliability
If hardware tokens are used for authentication, then security reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical hardware tokens with a software-based token system where the authentication credentials are stored and managed digitally on the server and client systems. This virtual token implementation maintains the security benefits of possession-based authentication while eliminating the need for physical hardware devices, thereby reducing device complexity and associated costs.
3Reliability
If client-side TLS implementation is used for secure communication, then security reliability is improved, but ease of manufacture and deployment deteriorates due to cumbersome configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automatic TLS certificate management where the system itself handles certificate generation, validation, and renewal without requiring manual configuration by administrators. The server automatically issues certificates to clients, and the system autonomously manages certificate lifecycles, thereby maintaining high security standards while simplifying deployment and reducing operational complexity.
4Reliability
If multi-factor authentication is implemented, then security reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to multiple authentication factors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple authentication factors into a unified authentication flow that is transparent to users. The system integrates password verification, token validation, and biometric authentication in a seamless sequence, presenting a single cohesive interface to users while maintaining all security layers. This consolidation reduces perceived complexity despite the presence of multiple authentication mechanisms.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and system for mutually authenticating a client and a server is provided in accordance with an aspect of the present invention. The method commences with transmitting a token from the server to the client. Thereafter, the method continues with establishing a secure data transfer link between the server and the client. A server certificate is transmitted to the client 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 a client 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.