Human-Verified Puzzle Mechanism for Secure Data Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Typical access-control mechanisms fail to distinguish between human and software input, allowing rogue software to mimic human behavior and gain unauthorized access, and are susceptible to brute force and 'man in the middle' attacks, particularly detrimental to password-protected encrypted data.
Innovation Solution
A verification mechanism that requires human participation, using a puzzle chosen to be solvable by humans but not by current computer systems, ensuring that data encrypted under a user password can only be accessed with actual human intervention, involving a cryptographic protocol with human verification through a client agent and a secure server that generates and solves puzzles requiring human input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If typical access-control mechanisms are used, then automated processing is improved, but security against software mimicry and brute force attacks deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a puzzle-solving task as an intermediary step between the user and the access-control system. This mediator task requires genuine human cognitive processing to solve, creating a barrier that automated software cannot bypass while still allowing legitimate human users to access the system. The puzzle acts as a filter that distinguishes human from automated input without compromising automated processing capabilities for authorized users.
2Reliability
If human participation is required in access verification, then security against automated attacks is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of verification from simple credential checking to puzzle-solving capability. By transforming the verification parameter into a task that leverages human cognitive strengths (pattern recognition, logical reasoning) rather than mere input speed, the system maintains ease of operation for humans while achieving superior security. The puzzle parameters are designed to be solvable by humans but intractable for automated systems.
3Reliability
If puzzles requiring human cognition are used, then distinction between human and software input is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs puzzles that leverage human self-service cognitive capabilities rather than requiring complex external verification systems. The puzzle design utilizes inherent human abilities (visual pattern recognition, logical deduction) to perform the verification function, eliminating the need for sophisticated biometric sensors or complex authentication infrastructure. The system serves itself by relying on fundamental human cognitive properties.
Data Source
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AI summary
A computer related security mechanism requires that a human participate in an access verification sequence. Upon a request to access secure data, a puzzle is provided to the requester. Proper solution of the puzzle requires human participation. The puzzle is chosen such that its solution is within the capabilities of a human, but beyond the current state of the art for computer systems. The puzzled can be visually and/or audibly rendered to the user. In one configuration, the puzzle is obtained via a library of pluggable puzzle generators. Puzzle generators in the library can be replaced as the state of the art of computing technology improves.