Forced Password Failure Mode for Brute-Force Attack Mitigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile devices are vulnerable to theft and unauthorized access, with existing security measures being ineffective against brute-force attacks, as they often require multiple attempts to lock or erase data, which can lead to loss of use or data loss.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a forced failure mode that denies access regardless of whether a correct or incorrect password is entered, forcing a predetermined number of failures before evaluating password validity, thereby increasing the intruder's password space and reducing the chances of successful unauthorized access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional password entry method is used, then ease of operation is improved, but security is worsened due to vulnerability to brute-force attacks
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary anti-action by forcing a predetermined number of failures before allowing password evaluation. This pre-emptive measure counteracts brute-force attacks by ensuring that even if an intruder has the correct password, they cannot use it successfully until a certain number of failed attempts have occurred. The forced failure mode creates a barrier that prevents immediate successful access, thereby enhancing security while maintaining operational simplicity.
2Reliability
If device lock or data erase features are used, then security is improved, but loss of use or data loss occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system converts the potential harm of forced failures into a benefit by using them as a security mechanism. Instead of allowing successful password entry to grant immediate access (which could be exploited by intruders), the system forces failures that appear harmful but actually protect the device. This approach transforms what could be seen as a negative outcome (failed access attempts) into a positive security feature that prevents unauthorized access without triggering device lock or data erase.
3Ease of operation
If multiple password attempts are allowed, then ease of operation is improved, but security is worsened due to increased brute-force success probability
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by forcing a predetermined number of failures before allowing the password evaluation process to occur. This preliminary forced failure sequence increases the intruder's password space significantly, making brute-force attacks much less effective. By requiring multiple forced failures before any password can be evaluated, the system creates a time and attempt buffer that protects against rapid automated attacks while still allowing legitimate users eventual access.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
A forced failure mode may be activated if a predetermined number of incorrect passwords are received at an apparatus. In forced failure mode, the apparatus determines if a forced failure is to be performed in response to a received password. If a forced failure is to be performed, an access failure is forced. When subsequent passwords are received the determine operation is repeated. When it is determined that a forced failure is not to be performed in response to a password entry, access may be granted if the password is correct, or denied if the password is incorrect. The apparatus may then leave forced failure mode or repeat forced failure mode. The apparatus may be configured in a mobile device and the access attempted may be unlocking of the device. The apparatus may also be configured in a network server and the access attempted may be network access.