Encryption Chip Software Authentication Mobile Terminal

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current software protection methods for mobile terminals, such as encryption using the MD5 algorithm or combining encryption with chip IDs, are vulnerable to hacking and secret key leakage, rendering them ineffective against unauthorized software updates.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating an encryption chip in mobile terminals that authenticates software through interaction with the main chip using a hardware protection circuit, controlling functional modules like Flash, LCD, keyboard, and SIM card access when authentication fails, thereby preventing unauthorized usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If encryption algorithms (MD5) are used for software protection, then software security is improved, but resource consumption increases and the system becomes vulnerable to hacking

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesoftware securityVSAvoidresource consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

An independent encryption chip is introduced as an intermediary component between the main processor and the Flash memory. This dedicated hardware module handles all encryption and decryption operations, providing robust security protection while offloading computational tasks from the main processor, thereby reducing overall system resource consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If encryption algorithms are used for software protection, then software security is improved, but the system becomes vulnerable to secret key leakage and hacking

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesoftware securityVSAvoidhacking vulnerability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system is segmented into distinct functional modules: the main processor, the independent encryption chip, and the Flash memory. The encryption chip contains the secret keys in a separate secure environment, isolating them from the main system. This segmentation prevents hackers from accessing secret keys even if they compromise the main processor or Flash memory.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The encryption chip serves as a secure intermediary that mediates all access to encrypted data. It validates software integrity and controls decryption operations, preventing unauthorized access even if hackers attempt to intercept communications or exploit vulnerabilities in the main system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If chip ID binding encryption is used, then software protection is provided, but the system is easily hacked and secret keys may leak

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesoftware protectionVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The encryption chip acts as a dedicated intermediary that handles all cryptographic operations independently. It manages chip ID binding, software validation, and key protection without requiring complex software implementations in the main processor, thereby providing robust protection while maintaining manageable system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Ease of manufacture

If software-based protection methods are used, then implementation is simple, but the protection is ineffective against unauthorized software updates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimplementation simplicityVSAvoidprotection effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The encryption chip provides a hardware-based intermediary layer that enforces software protection policies. It physically controls access to the Flash memory and validates all software updates through cryptographic verification, making unauthorized modifications impossible regardless of software vulnerabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces software-based protection mechanisms with hardware-based encryption enforcement. The encryption chip uses dedicated cryptographic hardware circuits to perform validation and control access, providing much stronger protection against unauthorized modifications compared to software-only approaches.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS8751824B2Method and apparatus for protecting software of mobile terminal

Publication Date: 2014.06.10 ZTE CORP

AI summary

A method for protecting software of a mobile terminal is provided in the disclosure, wherein an encryption chip is mounted in the mobile terminal. The method includes: when the mobile terminal is turned on, whether or not the encryption chip is invalid is detected; when it is not invalid, the encryption chip authenticates the software of the mobile terminal through interaction with a main chip; when the authentication is not passed, the encryption chip controls a functional module of the mobile terminal through a hardware protection circuit. An apparatus for protecting software of a mobile terminal is also provided in the present disclosure. The solution of the disclosure can prevent the software of the mobile terminal from being cracked and protect the functions of the mobile terminal from illegal usage, thus the security of the mobile terminal is greatly improved and the interests of operators and manufacturers are protected.