Wireless Access Control Using Electromagnet for Relay Attack Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless access control systems are susceptible to relay attacks, where unauthorized access can occur without the user's knowledge or consent, due to the reliance on wireless communication protocols that allow communication beyond the normal direct range between a mobile device and the access control.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a magnetic sensor on a mobile device to detect encoded data from an electromagnet, activating a wireless communication application only when in close proximity, thereby limiting exposure to potential relay attacks and ensuring secure communication with the access control, which includes a lock actuator to open locks or control other access points.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wireless communication protocols are used to enable access control beyond direct range, then convenience and communication range are improved, but security deteriorates due to susceptibility to relay attacks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an electromagnet as an intermediary device that establishes a magnetic field connection between the mobile device and access control. This magnetic field acts as a trusted mediator that must be physically present and active for wireless communication to occur, thereby preventing relay attacks while maintaining convenient wireless access control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary verification by detecting the electromagnet's magnetic field before enabling wireless communication. This preliminary action ensures that the mobile device is in close proximity to the access control through the electromagnet, establishing a trusted connection before allowing any wireless data transmission, thus preventing relay attacks.
2Adaptability or versatility
If wireless communication is enabled with greater range than magnetic sensor range, then communication flexibility is improved, but security exposure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication process into two distinct stages: first, a close-range magnetic field detection stage using the electromagnet and magnetic sensor to establish physical proximity; second, a wider-range wireless communication stage using protocols like Bluetooth. This segmentation allows the system to benefit from both close-range security and wide-range flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnet serves as a spatial intermediary that bridges the gap between close-range magnetic detection and wide-range wireless communication. It creates a controlled transition zone where the magnetic field verification occurs first, then enables the broader wireless communication, thus managing both range flexibility and security exposure.
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
This solution enhances the security of access control systems by preventing unauthorized access attempts through the use of proximity-based magnetic communication, ensuring that only authorized users can initiate wireless communication with the access control.
Implementation Method 1
encoded data from an electromagnet, activating a wireless communication application only when in close proximity
Implementation Method 2
detect encoded data through a varying magnetic field from an electromagnet
Data Source
AI summary
A method of wireless access control using an electromagnet is provided. The method includes detecting encoded data through a magnetic sensor of a mobile device. A wireless communication application is activated on the mobile device based on the encoded data. An access control is interfaced with on a wireless communication interface using the wireless communication application of the mobile device. The wireless communication application is deactivated based on completing a transaction through the wireless communication application on the mobile device.