Bluetooth Access List Security Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Bluetooth communication systems lack effective security measures to control access between devices, allowing unauthorized connections and limiting user control over discoverability, which can lead to unwanted interactions.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize an access list stored on a computing device to control communication by identifying permitted devices through unique identifiers like IP address, MAC address, serial number, and Bluetooth address, and locking the list to prevent unauthorized modifications, thereby restricting access to only authorized devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If Bluetooth devices use traditional security modes (no authentication, non-discoverable mode, or password exchange), then security is improved to some extent, but access control capability is insufficient and unwanted connections can still be made
Solution Approach 1:
The access control mechanism is segmented into multiple components: a master device stores an access list of authorized slave devices, and each slave device has a unique identifier. This segmentation enables fine-grained control over which devices can connect to which master device, going beyond traditional binary security modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The access list is pre-configured on the master device before operation begins. Authorized slave devices are identified and added to this list in advance, so that when connection requests arrive, the system already has the authorization information ready for immediate verification without requiring real-time authentication exchanges.
2Reliability
If a device sets itself as non-discoverable to avoid being discovered by other Bluetooth computing devices, then security is improved, but connection capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of making the entire device non-discoverable, the system applies discoverability selectively at the individual device level. The master device can remain discoverable to allow it to be found by authorized slaves, while individual slave devices are identified through their unique identifiers in the access list without needing to be discoverable themselves.
Solution Approach 2:
The access list acts as an intermediary mechanism between discoverability and connection authorization. It mediates the relationship by storing authorization information independently, allowing the master device to maintain discoverability while using the access list to control which discovered devices are permitted to connect.
3Adaptability or versatility
If an access list is made modifiable to allow adding or removing devices, then flexibility is improved, but security is weakened as unauthorized modifications could occur
Solution Approach 1:
The access list has dynamic characteristics where it can be modified under controlled conditions. The system allows addition or removal of device identifiers from the access list when proper authentication occurs, but prevents unauthorized modifications. This dynamic behavior enables flexibility while maintaining security through conditional accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where authentication results feed back into the access list management process. Successful authentication events trigger additions to the access list, while authentication failures prevent modifications. This feedback loop ensures that only authorized changes are made to the list, maintaining both flexibility and security.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system is provided for using an access list stored on a memory of a first computing device, the access list for controlling communication between the first computing device and a plurality of computing devices in a Bluetooth communication network. The method comprises: initiating a restricted mode of operation on the first computing device, the restricted mode of operation configured to secure the access list to prevent subsequent unauthorized modification thereon, the access list including at least one entry representing at least one selected computing device of the plurality of computing devices being permitted to access the first computing device, the at least one entry comprising at least one identifier to identify the at least one selected computing device; in response to a connection request between the first computing device and a particular computing device of the plurality of computing devices, determining whether the particular computing device is on the access list; and preventing connection between the first computing device to the particular computing device in response to determining that the particular computing device is not on the access list.