Hardwired Biometric IHS Ownership With One-Time-Write Profiles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Information Handling Systems (IHSs) face challenges in securely ensuring that only the intended user can access and use the system, particularly in cases of theft, loss, or misdelivery, as password-based authentication can be vulnerable and does not prevent unauthorized access.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a biometric module with a one-time write biometric profile that is pre-flashed with the owner's biometric data, ensuring that the IHS can only be accessed by the designated user, and encrypting data storage with a key derived from this profile, with options for secure ownership transfer through biometric module replacement or destruction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If password-based authentication is used, then ease of operation is improved, but security is worsened due to vulnerability to unauthorized access
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/password-based authentication system with a biometric authentication system. The biometric module captures physiological characteristics (fingerprint, facial recognition, iris scan, etc.) and compares them against stored templates to verify user identity, eliminating the vulnerabilities of password-based systems while maintaining ease of use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a biometric module as an intermediary component between the user and the IHS system. This module acts as a mediator that verifies user identity through biometric characteristics before allowing access to the system, providing a secure authentication layer without requiring users to remember complex passwords.
2Reliability
If biometric authentication is implemented, then security is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the authentication system into separate functional modules: a biometric module for capturing and verifying biometric data, a processor for comparing biometric templates, and a memory system for storing authentication data. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while keeping the overall system manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The biometric module is designed to support multiple biometric authentication methods (fingerprint, facial recognition, iris scan, voice recognition) within a single component. This multi-functionality reduces device complexity by consolidating various authentication capabilities into one universal module rather than requiring separate hardware for each biometric type.
3Reliability
If one-time write biometric profile is used, then security is improved, but adaptability is worsened for ownership transfer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring the biometric module with authentication templates during manufacturing or initial setup. The one-time write memory is programmed with the owner's biometric data before the device is put into service, ensuring security from the outset. For ownership transfer, the system performs preliminary verification and then securely erases or updates the biometric profiles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a secure process for discarding old biometric profiles and recovering the device for new ownership. When ownership transfer is needed, the system securely erases the previous owner's biometric data from the one-time write memory and allows reprogramming with new owner's biometric information, thus recovering the device's adaptability while maintaining security through controlled data destruction.
4Reliability
If data encryption with biometric-derived key is implemented, then security is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the biometric authentication function with the data encryption function by deriving the encryption key directly from the verified biometric data. The same biometric module that authenticates the user also generates the cryptographic key, combining two security functions into one integrated process and reducing the need for separate key management systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically generating the encryption key from the user's biometric data without requiring manual key creation or management. The biometric module itself produces the cryptographic key through a deterministic process, eliminating the need for separate key generation and storage mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for establishing biometric hardwired Information Handling System (IHS) ownership are described. In an illustrative, non-limiting embodiment, an IHS may include: a processor; a biometric module including a one-time write biometric profile; and a memory coupled to the processor, where the memory includes program instructions store thereon that, upon execution by the processor, cause the IHS to: obtain biometric data from a user of the IHS; and allow access to the IHS based, at least in part, on a validation of the biometric data with the biometric profile. In another embodiment, a method includes obtaining biometric data from a user of an IHS; and allowing access to the IHS based, at least in part, on a validation of the biometric data with a biometric profile stored in a one-time write memory of the IHS.