Context Analysis for Dynamic Authentication Timeout Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Information handling systems, especially portable devices like smartphones and tablets, are vulnerable to unauthorized access due to short power timeouts, allowing thieves to access sensitive information even when the user is temporarily away, as the system remains authenticated for an extended period.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize context analysis through integrated sensors to dynamically adjust security settings, enforcing shorter timeouts in insecure locations and longer ones in safe areas, ensuring secure access based on user presence and interaction, transitioning between access states to protect sensitive information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the information handling system uses a short power timeout to conserve power, then power consumption is reduced, but security is compromised because thieves can access sensitive information during the authenticated period
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic authentication timeout adjustment based on detected context. The system transitions between different authentication states (authenticated, partially authenticated, unauthenticated) by dynamically modifying timeout periods according to sensed environmental factors, user presence, and device state, thereby optimizing both power consumption and security in real-time
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors context through sensors and user interactions, then feeds this information back to adjust authentication timeout settings. This feedback loop enables the system to adapt timeout periods based on current security risks, ensuring that power is conserved when safe while maintaining security when threats are detected
2Reliability
If the information handling system uses a long authentication timeout to maintain security, then security is improved, but user convenience deteriorates due to frequent re-authentication requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts authentication timeout duration based on real-time context assessment. When the device detects a secure environment with user presence confirmed through multiple sensors, it extends the authentication timeout to reduce re-authentication frequency. Conversely, when security risks are detected, the timeout is shortened to maintain security while still providing convenience in low-risk scenarios
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the authentication timeout parameter dynamically based on contextual factors such as device location, user presence detection, and environmental security indicators. This parameter adjustment allows the system to optimize the balance between security and user convenience by adapting the timeout value to current operating conditions rather than using a fixed timeout period
3Reliability
If the system monitors context continuously to detect user presence and adjust security, then security is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional sensors and processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages existing multi-functional components to reduce overall system complexity. Sensors originally intended for other purposes (display activation, sleep mode detection, environmental monitoring) are repurposed for security context detection. This approach allows the system to gain enhanced security monitoring capabilities without proportionally increasing device complexity, as the same hardware serves multiple functions
Data Source
AI summary
Context captured with sensors of an information handling system is applied to selectively lock access to currently unlocked information, with conditions for locking access based upon the context. Nervous states enforce locking of selected information based upon the confidence of the security of the information under sensed external conditions. Increased sensitivity for locking access includes reduced timeouts to a lock command, increased response to sensed conditions, and more rapid response where unlocked access is to sensitive information.