eUICC Credential Derivation for Fast Secure Network Setup
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for handling secure elements, such as eUICCs, do not ensure timely and secure provision of operating systems and data structures, leading to potential functional safety and security issues, especially when new network standards emerge, and may hinder immediate connectivity to telecommunications networks.
Innovation Solution
A method involving providing an element identifier and location identifier to derive login credentials for secure elements, allowing late-stage generation of login credentials, ensuring timely delivery and immediate network connectivity by deriving credentials post-delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If login credentials are pre-configured in secure elements during manufacturing, then device setup time is reduced, but security and functional safety cannot be ensured when new network standards emerge
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the secure element with necessary infrastructure (element identifier, location identifier, and credential derivation capability) during manufacturing, while deferring the actual credential generation to a later stage. This allows the device to be physically ready immediately, but credentials are securely generated post-delivery using the formula: credential = f(element identifier, location identifier, local operator key), ensuring both rapid deployment and future-proof security compliance.
2Productivity
If operating systems and data structures are provided early, then device functionality is established, but data integrity and up-to-dateness cannot be guaranteed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by making the credential configuration process adaptable and flexible rather than static. The secure element maintains the capability to derive credentials at any stage using the formula: credential = f(element identifier, location identifier, local operator key). This dynamic approach allows credentials to be generated or updated whenever needed, ensuring data integrity and up-to-dateness while maintaining continuous device functionality.
3Speed
If credentials are generated immediately, then network connectivity is established, but security requirements may not be met
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary approach by using a trusted authority or server as a mediator in the credential generation process. The secure element contains the element identifier and location identifier, but the actual credential derivation is performed by a trusted external entity using the formula: credential = f(element identifier, location identifier, local operator key). This intermediary mechanism ensures security requirements are met through verified credential generation while still enabling relatively fast connectivity establishment.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
A method, setup program (10), computer-readable medium (11), user device (5), and a setup arrangement (1) for setting up a user device (5), for example, a mobile user device (5) for participation in a telecommunications network, are proposed, comprising a secure element (6), in particular an eUICC, configured to manage at least one profile record (P) for secure operation of the user device (5), and comprising the following steps: providing an element identifier (I) for identifying the secure element (6); providing a location identifier (W) for a home location register (R) of a telecommunications network; and deriving at least one login information (H) for logging the user device (5) from the element identifier (I) and the location identifier (W) and/or a local operator key (E) associated with the location identifier (W).