Geolocation-Based Cryptographic Key Generation for Secure File Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing file sharing methods often rely on password-based encryption, which can be frustrating for authorized users and do not effectively prevent unauthorized access, as they require remembering passwords and dealing with frequent prompts.
Innovation Solution
A method that generates a cryptographic key based on geographical coordinates or device attributes, allowing only authorized users within a specified location or with specific device attributes to access encrypted files, without the need for explicit password entry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If password-based encryption is used to prevent unauthorized access, then security is improved, but user convenience deteriorates due to frequent password prompts and the need to remember passwords
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically performs authentication by comparing device attributes (GPS coordinates, device ID, OS version) against authorized parameters embedded in the encrypted file. The decryption process is self-service as it autonomously verifies authorization without requiring user intervention for password entry, thereby maintaining security while eliminating the inconvenience of manual password management
Solution Approach 2:
Device attributes serve as an intermediary between the user and the authentication system. Instead of directly using passwords, the system mediates authentication through automatic comparison of device characteristics (location, device ID, operating system) with authorized parameters, providing both security and convenience by removing the need for users to remember or enter passwords
2Reliability
If traditional encryption methods are used, then unauthorized access is prevented, but file sharing complexity increases due to password management requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the password management burden from the file sharing process by embedding authorization parameters directly into the encrypted file. Instead of requiring external password management systems or user memory, the authentication credentials are taken out and embedded within the file structure itself, allowing automatic verification based on device attributes without complex external management
Solution Approach 2:
The encrypted file performs self-service authentication by containing embedded authorization parameters that automatically compare against the requesting device's attributes. This eliminates the need for external password management infrastructure, reducing system complexity while maintaining secure access control through automatic verification
Data Source
AI summary
A method for managing a file, including receiving a request to encrypt the file, the request identifying a target location; determining a plurality of coordinates based on the target location; generating a cryptographic key based on the plurality of coordinates; generating an encrypted version of the file using the cryptographic key; and storing the encrypted version of the file.