Client Authentication Configuration via Dynamic GUI Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current SSL client authentication methods are inconvenient for users, as they lack efficient mechanisms for changing authentication configurations during sessions and provide inadequate visual feedback on authentication status, often prompting users for certificate selection even when no valid certificates are available, leading to potential unauthenticated sessions.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that automatically configures client authentication based on stored data and provides a graphical user interface for users to change authentication settings, offering visual feedback on authentication status and allowing selection of certificates or opting out of authentication, thereby streamlining the authentication process and enhancing user control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If client applications are configured to automatically select a certificate, then the authentication process is streamlined and user convenience is improved, but the user loses the ability to change authentication configuration during a session
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic authentication configuration that allows users to change certificate selection during an SSL session. The system transitions from static automatic selection to dynamic reconfigurable selection, enabling users to switch between automatic selection, manual selection, and opt-out modes without closing the application window or disrupting the session.
2Adaptability or versatility
If client applications prompt the user for certificate selection every time, then the user has full control over authentication, but the user experience deteriorates due to repeated prompts even when only one certificate is available
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a hybrid approach where the system performs partial automatic selection (when only one certificate is available or based on user preference) while retaining the option for full manual control. The GUI allows users to choose between automatic selection, manual selection, and opt-out modes, providing appropriate level of automation without excessive prompting.
3Device complexity
If the system provides no visual feedback on authentication status, then the system complexity is reduced, but the user cannot determine whether authentication is being used
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces visual feedback mechanisms in the GUI that display authentication status, current certificate selection, and authentication mode. The system provides real-time information about whether authentication is being used and which certificate is selected, enabling users to make informed decisions without increasing fundamental system complexity.
4Reliability
If the system requires closing application windows or clearing SSL certificate cache to change authentication configuration, then authentication security is maintained, but productivity decreases due to session disruption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary configuration options where users can set their authentication preferences in advance. The system stores and retrieves these preferences automatically, allowing users to change authentication configuration during sessions without disrupting connectivity. The GUI enables users to pre-configure automatic selection, manual selection, or opt-out modes for different servers.
Data Source
AI summary
A client authentication system receives authentication requests associated with a web page in response to a client computing system requesting access to the web page. The authentication system determines whether a storage device contains configurations for the authentication requests. The authentication system configures client authentication for the client authentication requests in view of whether the storage device includes the configurations for the authentication requests. The GUI allows control to change the client authentication configuration for at least one of the authentication requests.