Connector Pin Authentication for Edge Computing Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional IoT systems lack effective security measures to prevent unauthorized access and attacks in uncontrolled environments, as they rely solely on software security that can be compromised by physical access.
Innovation Solution
A computing device with a connector pin-based hardware security protocol that authenticates devices before allowing signal transmission, using a processor with a state table to map pins to connection types and an authentication module to perform authentication processes, ensuring only authorized devices can communicate with the processor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If software security measures are used in IoT systems, then the system can operate with simpler hardware, but the system becomes vulnerable to unauthorized access when physical access is gained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an authentication module as an intermediary component between the processor and connector pins. This module intercepts and validates signals before they reach the processor, acting as a security gatekeeper. The authentication module verifies device identities through challenge-response protocols, preventing unauthorized access while maintaining a relatively simple overall hardware architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs authentication checks before allowing full communication between devices. The authentication module validates device identities in advance through challenge-response protocols, ensuring that only authorized devices can establish communication channels. This preliminary security verification prevents unauthorized access before it can compromise the system.
2Reliability
If hardware-based authentication is implemented, then security against physical access threats is improved, but the device complexity and authentication process time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The authentication module performs selective authentication only on specific connector pins that require security validation, rather than authenticating all signals. The system applies authentication protocols only to data pins while allowing power and ground pins to pass through without verification. This partial authentication approach reduces overall authentication time while maintaining security for critical data channels.
3Reliability
If authentication protocols are added to connector pins, then unauthorized device coupling is prevented, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The authentication module serves multiple functions: it authenticates device identities, validates signal integrity, and controls access to the processor. By consolidating these security-related functions into a single multi-functional component, the patent reduces the number of separate hardware elements needed, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining comprehensive security capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A computing device is provided that includes a processor having a plurality of pins that are electrically coupled to a plurality of pins of a connector, and a memory device storing a state table that maps the plurality of pins of the connector to a plurality of connection types. The processor is configured to perform an authentication process for at least one connection type to determine whether an authenticated device configured for the at least one connection type is coupled to the connector. The authentication process is performed at least in part by sending an authentication signal to one or more of the plurality of pins of the connector mapped to the at least one connection type, and receiving an expected authentication signal response on one or more of the plurality of pins of the connector mapped to the at least one connection type.