Passive Digital Key Validation Using BLE and Wi-Fi Ranging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Short-range communication technologies like Bluetooth are vulnerable to relay attacks (RITM), which pose significant risks to data and physical security as they can allow unauthorized access to devices and systems.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize a combination of short-range communication technologies such as Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and Wi-Fi ranging systems to validate mobile devices by determining positioning measurements, measured distances, and calibration distances, thereby reducing the threat of RITM attacks through a digital key system that includes multiple transceivers and data structures to store bias values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single transceiver is used for distance measurement, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to vulnerability to relay attacks
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the distance measurement function across multiple transceivers (first transceiver for initial measurement, second transceiver for validation). This segmentation allows the system to cross-check measurements and detect relay attacks by comparing results from different transceiver locations, thereby improving measurement precision without requiring a single complex transceiver
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary validation mechanism where the second transceiver acts as a reference point to verify the authenticity of distance measurements. By using the second transceiver as an intermediary check, the system can identify relay attacks and improve measurement accuracy while maintaining a distributed transceiver architecture
2Reliability
If multiple transceivers are deployed for validation, then the reliability improves by detecting relay attacks, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The validation function is segmented into distinct components: the first transceiver performs initial distance measurement, the second transceiver provides reference validation, and the processor compares results. This segmentation improves reliability by distributing security functions across multiple simple components rather than one complex validation system
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary distance measurement with the first transceiver before validation by the second transceiver. This preliminary action allows the system to establish a baseline measurement that can be quickly verified, improving reliability while keeping the validation process efficient and the overall system architecture manageable
3Measurement precision
If calibration data is stored for multiple angles and positions, then the measurement precision improves, but the loss of information increases due to larger data structures
Solution Approach 1:
The system stores calibration data organized by angular segments, where each segment contains calibration values specific to that directional range. This local quality approach allows the system to maintain high measurement precision for each specific angle while avoiding the need to store redundant calibration data for all possible positions, thereby reducing overall data structure size
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The proposed solution effectively reduces the vulnerability to RITM attacks by accurately validating mobile devices and ensuring secure access to vehicles and structures, enhancing the security of digital key systems.
Implementation Method 1
Obtaining the measured distance to the mobile device may include determining a time of flight for signals transmitted between the mobile device and the first transceiver
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are provided for validating a mobile device in a passive digital key system. An example method of validating a mobile device includes determining a positioning measurement for the mobile device relative to a reference point, obtaining a measured distance with at least a first transceiver, obtaining a calibration distance based at least in part on the positioning measurement for the mobile device, computing a validation distance based at least in part on a difference between the measured distance and the calibration distance, and validating the mobile device based at least in part on a comparison of the validation distance and a threshold value.