Digital Certificate Binding to Hardware Serial Numbers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current software licensing mechanisms, particularly for hardware manufacturers, are inefficient and time-consuming due to the need for manual entry of alphanumeric authentication keys, which complicates the authentication of preinstalled software and increases the risk of software piracy.
Innovation Solution
A secure system and method for delivering encrypted digital certificates of authenticity (DCOAs) that allows hardware manufacturers to decrypt and bind software keys to hardware, streamlining the authentication process and reducing software piracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual authentication key entry is used for software activation, then software licensing control is achieved, but the process becomes time-consuming and inefficient for hardware manufacturers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-installing the authentication key on the hardware device during manufacturing, before the software needs to be activated. This eliminates the need for manual key entry at activation time, as the key is already embedded in the device's firmware or hardware identifier, thereby speeding up the activation process and reducing time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the authentication key from the traditional manual entry process and embeds it directly into the hardware device. By separating the key input function from the user activation process and integrating it into the device itself, the system eliminates the time-consuming manual entry step while maintaining security control.
2Reliability
If authentication keys are distributed manually, then software licensing is controlled, but the process becomes complex and increases risk of software piracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the hardware device to automatically provide its own authentication key to the software without requiring manual intervention. The device's embedded identifier serves as the authentication key, and the software automatically retrieves and validates it, eliminating complex manual distribution processes and reducing piracy risks through automated security verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the authentication key with the hardware device's inherent identifiers (such as serial numbers or firmware signatures). By combining the licensing control function with the device's existing unique identifiers, the system simplifies the authentication process while maintaining strong security, as the key is inherently tied to the specific hardware and cannot be easily transferred or pirated.
3Reliability
If encryption is used to protect digital certificates, then security against software piracy is improved, but the decryption and distribution process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-encrypting the digital certificate with the device's public key during manufacturing or initial setup. This encrypted certificate is then stored in the device's firmware or secure storage, eliminating the need for complex real-time encryption and distribution systems. The decryption process is simplified because the private key is already embedded in the device, allowing automatic decryption when the software requests authentication.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system provide digital certificates of authentication for authenticating software installed on computer devices. The digital certificates of authentication authorized the use of software installed on computer devices by binding such a digital certificate to an attribute of the computer device. In one example, the digital certificate of authentication is bound to a motherboard serial number of a computer device. The method and system further provide a secure environment for transmitting one or more digital certificates of authentication.