Cryptographic Key Pair Management for Secure Asset Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for providing access to rented assets, such as premises, face security issues due to the potential for key or code duplication and replication, and lack flexibility in managing access periods.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a wallet platform to generate and manage key pairs, where a public-private key pair is distributed to both the user and the access system, allowing secure access through the wallet platform, with the public key being unknown to the user and valid only for a specified period, minimizing security risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If physical keys or cards are provided to renters, then access to premises is enabled, but security risk increases due to potential key duplication and replication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical key system with an electronic authentication system using public-private key pairs. Instead of physical keys that can be copied, the system uses cryptographic keys where the private key remains secure on the user's device and the public key is used for authentication, eliminating the security risks of physical key duplication
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses cryptographic copying where a public key can be freely shared and copied for authentication purposes, while the private key remains unique and secure. This allows multiple copies of the public key to be distributed without compromising security, as each public key corresponds to a single private key that cannot be derived from it
2Ease of operation
If access codes are provided to renters, then access to premises is enabled, but flexibility in managing access periods is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic access management where access permissions can be activated, modified, or revoked at any time by the property owner through the system. The access rights are not static like traditional codes but can be dynamically adjusted based on rental periods, user credentials, and owner decisions, providing flexibility in managing access throughout the rental lifecycle
3Ease of operation
If traditional key management systems are used, then access control is provided, but security against unauthorized access is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical key management with a cryptographic system based on public-private key pairs. The system uses elliptic curve cryptography to generate key pairs, where the private key is securely stored on the user's mobile device and the public key is used for authentication, providing mathematically proven security against unauthorized access
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a property management system as an intermediary that coordinates between the owner, renter, and access control system. This intermediary manages the distribution of public keys, verifies authentication requests, and controls access permissions, providing a secure and centralized coordination layer that enhances overall system reliability
Data Source
AI summary
Exemplary systems and methods are disclosed for providing access through security key pairs. One exemplary method includes generating, by a platform, a key pair specific to a user and associated with an access period to an asset, where the key pair includes a first key and a second key associated with the first key, and storing the key pair in a data structure. The method also includes distributing the first key to an application associated with the user and distributing the second key to an access system of the asset. The method further includes receiving an access request for the asset during the access period and including the first key, identifying from the data structure the second key of the key pair based on the received first key, and transmitting a message including the second key to the access system for allowing, or not, access to the asset.