Secure Device Self-Identification via Local Key Generation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for authenticating consumer devices during manufacturing are vulnerable to manipulation and compromise due to the transfer of identification information in untrusted environments, leading to potential piracy and theft of subscription-based services.
Innovation Solution
The generation of a public/private key pair within the device itself, with the private key remaining securely stored, allowing for self-identification and authentication through a trusted intermediary and registry, eliminating the risk of key transfer and manipulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If identification information is transferred during or after manufacturing, then device authentication is enabled, but the integrity of identification data is compromised due to manipulation in untrusted environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the private key generation and storage functions into a dedicated secure element within the device. The private key is generated and stored exclusively in this secure environment, separating it from the main device memory and processing units. This extraction eliminates the vulnerability of transferring private keys through untrusted environments while maintaining authentication capability through public key infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a trusted intermediary mechanism during the manufacturing process that facilitates secure key pair generation and public key registration without exposing the private key. This intermediary acts as a mediator that enables the device to authenticate itself to service providers while ensuring the private key never leaves the device boundaries, thus resolving the contradiction between enabling authentication and preventing data manipulation.
2Ease of operation
If the private key is transferred to external systems, then authentication processes are simplified, but security vulnerabilities increase due to potential snooping and replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs self-authentication by generating its own private key locally and using it to respond to authentication challenges from service providers. The secure element within the device autonomously manages the private key without requiring external transfer or storage, enabling the device to service its own authentication needs securely while maintaining process simplicity through standardized challenge-response protocols.
3Adaptability or versatility
If identification data is stored externally, then device portability and service access are improved, but the risk of counterfeit devices and theft of services increases
Solution Approach 1:
The authentication system is segmented into distinct components: the private key stored exclusively in the device's secure element, the public key registered with service providers, and the authentication logic distributed between the device and service provider systems. This segmentation ensures that the critical private key component remains isolated and protected within the device, preventing counterfeiting while maintaining service access versatility through the publicly available authentication interface.
Data Source
AI summary
A system, method, and computer program product for self-identification of a device. The disclosure utilizes generation of a public/private key pair, within the device itself, and completes at least a portion of an authentication process within the device itself using a securely stored private key that never leaves the device. By not transferring the private key away from the device, potential vulnerabilities of known systems due to transfer of identification information during or after manufacturing is effectively eliminated.