Customizable Authentication Logic Encryption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current authentication systems are vulnerable due to their lack of extensibility, relying on static passwords and multi-factor authentication methods that can be compromised if users reuse passwords across devices and systems, making them susceptible to attacks that defeat both single and multi-factor authentication.
Innovation Solution
A network-based authentication system that allows users to customize their authentication logic, which is encrypted and stored on a server using password-based encryption, enabling a unique and flexible authentication process for each user, including the option to use third-party services for verification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If static password-based authentication is used, then the authentication process is simple and fast, but security is compromised when passwords are reused across multiple systems
Solution Approach 1:
The authentication process is segmented into multiple phases: first phase uses static credentials (username/password) for initial authentication, and second phase uses dynamic challenges and responses for verification. This segmentation allows the system to maintain simplicity in the first phase while enhancing security in the second phase, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The authentication system transitions from static to dynamic verification. In the first phase, static credentials are used for quick authentication. In the second phase, dynamic challenges are presented to users who must respond with additional verification information. This dynamic approach ensures that even if static passwords are compromised, the attacker cannot proceed without the dynamic verification step, thus resolving the security simplicity contradiction.
2Reliability
If multi-factor authentication is implemented, then security is improved, but the authentication process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The authentication process is divided into distinct phases: first phase for initial authentication using static credentials, and second phase for verification using dynamic challenges. This segmentation allows the system to present a simplified interface to users while implementing multiple verification factors, thus improving security without excessively complicating the user experience.
Solution Approach 2:
Users are given control over their own authentication process by allowing them to select which verification factors they wish to use in the second phase. This self-service approach enables users to customize their authentication based on their needs and comfort level, reducing the perceived complexity while maintaining security.
3Adaptability or versatility
If user-customized logic is implemented, then adaptability and security are improved, but system complexity and storage requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system stores customized authentication logic separately for each user in encrypted form, rather than implementing a monolithic customization system. This segmentation allows users to have their own unique verification factors while keeping the overall system architecture relatively simple and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary layer is introduced between the user's customization choices and the authentication execution. The system stores encrypted customized logic that acts as an intermediary, translating user preferences into executable verification steps without exposing the complexity of the customization mechanism to either the user or the authentication executor.
4Speed
If passwords are stored on the system, then authentication speed is improved, but security is compromised if the backend is accessed by hackers
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts and stores only the necessary verification information in encrypted form, rather than storing all user credentials in plain text. By taking out only the essential authentication data and encrypting it, the system maintains fast authentication capability while minimizing the impact of potential backend breaches.
Solution Approach 2:
Encryption acts as an intermediary layer between the stored credentials and the authentication process. Even if hackers access the backend, the encrypted form of stored credentials prevents them from directly using the passwords, adding a layer of security that maintains authentication speed while protecting against backend attacks.
Data Source
AI summary
An online authentication system allows a user to define their own logic for multistage authentication, which is provided to an online authentication center and stored as encrypted bytecode based on each user's password. Implementation logic can use third party information sources to provide additional authentication options.