eUICC Lifecycle Management with User Confirmation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the context of embedded UICC (eUICC) lifecycle management, existing technologies face challenges in preventing unauthorized re-locking of SIM cards, particularly when the SIM lock expires and is owned by a different operator, allowing potential overwriting or reactivation by another operator without user consent.
Innovation Solution
Introducing a new lifecycle state, 'Unlocked', where the entity managing the secure module can be changed without user intervention, and transitioning to a 'Locked' state requires user confirmation, ensuring that only authorized entities can manage the UICC, with the Lifecycle Status byte and Policy Control Function handling state transitions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the SIM lock is expired and released, then the SIM becomes unlocked and can be managed by different operators, but this creates security risks where operator B could switch on the SIM lock again or overwrite the SIM lock of operator A without user consent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dynamic lifecycle state machine with distinct states (Locked, Unlocked, Termination) that transitions based on operator actions and user consent. The system dynamically adjusts the manageability of the eUICC based on the current state, allowing operator switching in the Unlocked state while maintaining security in the Locked state. This dynamic state management resolves the contradiction by providing adaptability when needed while ensuring security when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary user confirmation mechanism that mediates between operator actions and SIM lock state changes. When transitioning from Unlocked to Locked state, or when operator B attempts to manage the eUICC, the system requires user confirmation as an intermediary step. This intermediary layer prevents unauthorized re-locking or overwriting while still allowing legitimate operator switching, thus resolving the security risk.
2Ease of operation
If a new lifecycle state 'Unlocked' is introduced where entity managing the secure module can be changed without user intervention, then operator switching is enabled, but this may lead to unauthorized changes if not properly controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by requiring user confirmation before allowing transitions to the Locked state or before operator B can manage the eUICC. This preliminary user authorization is obtained in advance of the actual state change, ensuring that unauthorized re-locking or operator switching cannot occur without explicit user consent. The user's prior approval acts as a preventive measure against harmful actions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system continuously monitors the lifecycle state and operator management requests, and provides feedback in the form of user confirmation requirements. When the eUICC is in the Unlocked state and operator B attempts to manage it, the system feedbacks a requirement for user confirmation before allowing the action. This feedback loop ensures ease of operation for legitimate changes while preventing unauthorized actions.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method, computer program, apparatus and a secure module are described. By example, in the method there are steps of receiving a request from a first entity for a secure module to enter an unlock lifecycle state; requesting confirmation to enter the unlock lifecycle state; and if the request is confirmed, transitioning the secure module from a current lifecycle state to the unlock lifecycle state.