HTTPS Client Tool Dynamic Certificate Renewal
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current product support systems lack end-to-end HTTPS communication between client devices and vendor websites, making them vulnerable to security threats due to long validity certificates, shared private keys, and static root certificates, which can be exploited for malicious purposes.
Innovation Solution
An HTTPS-enabled client tool is installed on the product to create a unique, self-signed digital certificate with a one-day validity period, generating a unique private key that is made unavailable after authentication, and dynamically renewed every hour, ensuring secure client-server authentication and preventing misuse.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If long validity certificates and shared private keys are used in product support systems, then certificate management is simplified and authentication is easier, but security is compromised making the system vulnerable to snooping and man-in-the-middle attacks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the certificate validity period into short intervals (one day) and creates unique certificates for each client device. This segmentation prevents a single compromised certificate from affecting multiple devices or long time periods, directly addressing the security vulnerability while maintaining manageable authentication processes through automated renewal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by generating unique private keys specific to each client device rather than using shared keys. Each device receives a customized certificate with its own cryptographic identity, enhancing security without complicating the authentication flow since the uniqueness is automatically managed by the system.
2Device complexity
If static root certificates are used in product support systems, then system complexity is reduced and authentication is streamlined, but security is weakened allowing potential exploitation for malicious purposes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static root certificates to dynamic, time-limited certificates. Certificates are generated with one-day validity and automatically renewed, creating a flowing security model that adapts to current security conditions while maintaining streamlined authentication through automated processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action through automatic certificate renewal at one-day intervals. This periodic regeneration of cryptographic credentials maintains security without requiring complex manual intervention, as the system automatically manages the renewal cycle, balancing security with operational simplicity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If unique private keys with limited availability are implemented, then security against key sharing attacks is improved, but key management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling each client device to automatically obtain and renew its own unique certificate without manual key management intervention. The system autonomously handles key generation, distribution, and renewal, eliminating key sharing vulnerabilities while avoiding manual management complexity through automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent treats cryptographic credentials as short-lived, disposable objects with one-day validity. This approach enhances security by limiting the window for key compromise while reducing management complexity through automated renewal, making the system treat certificates as ephemeral resources that are continuously regenerated rather than permanently managed.
Data Source
AI summary
A system that implements a Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS) enabled client tool to facilitate HTTPS communication between a client device (on which the tool is installed) and a remote browser through which online product support to the client device is provided. The client tool creates a unique self-signed digital certificate on the fly and is used for client-server authentication purpose. The validity of the certificate is set to one day to avoid its re-use. A unique private key for the certificate is generated as well and is neither shared with other client devices nor made available after authentication. In an HTTPS session, the certificate is renewed and re-authenticated every one hour of interaction with the remote browser. The most recent version of the certificate is stored. When the client tool application is exited or stopped, the stored certificate is deleted. This ensures a secure communication between the client device and the remote browser.