Contactless Card Cryptogram Authentication for Secure Transactions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing contactless cards face challenges in data security, authentication, and verification, with vulnerabilities in email and SMS verification methods, and reliance on log-in credentials compromising account access, necessitating improved cryptographic authentication solutions.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an authentication server, client application, and contactless card with a processor and memory, where the server requests authentication factors via a cryptogram generated by the card when transaction values exceed a threshold, and verifies the signal to authorize transactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If email or SMS verification methods are used for contactless card authentication, then the authentication process is simple and convenient, but the system is vulnerable to hacking and unauthorized access
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an authentication server as an intermediary between the contactless card and the verification system. The server receives cryptograms from the card, verifies them against stored authentication data, and returns authorization decisions. This intermediary layer eliminates direct exposure of sensitive verification methods (email/SMS) while maintaining user convenience through contactless card taps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/authentication-based verification methods (email links, SMS codes, password entry) with a cryptographic system. The contactless card generates cryptograms using cryptographic algorithms, and the authentication server verifies these cryptograms. This substitution eliminates vulnerabilities in email/SMS systems while providing stronger security through mathematical cryptography.
2Reliability
If log-in credentials (username and password) are used for account access, then account security can be maintained, but the system remains vulnerable to credential compromise and unauthorized access
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the authentication factor (cryptogram) from the contactless card and verifies it on the authentication server, separating the authentication process from traditional credential-based systems. The cryptogram serves as a standalone authentication element that does not rely on usernames or passwords, eliminating the vulnerability of credential compromise while maintaining account security.
3Reliability
If cryptographic authentication with cryptogram verification is implemented, then data security and authentication reliability are enhanced, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the authentication system into distinct functional components: the contactless card that generates cryptograms, the authentication server that verifies them, and the client application that facilitates communication. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall system architecture by distributing complexity across multiple specialized modules rather than concentrating it in a single system.
Data Source
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AI summary
Example embodiments of systems and methods for data transmission and authorizing transactions between transmitting and receiving devices are provided. In an embodiment, a method includes generating a request for at least one authentication factor when a value of the transaction exceeds a predetermined value, wherein the at least one authentication factor includes a cryptogram, receiving an authentication signal, the authentication signal including the cryptogram, and authorizing a transaction when the authentication signal is received.