Personal Digital Identity Device Hardware Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Password-based cloud service authentication in mobile devices is vulnerable to hacking, as hackers can gain access to user accounts by obtaining password files, compromising sensitive user information.
Innovation Solution
A personal digital identity device that communicates with mobile devices and cloud services using radio links, requiring user interaction through hardware-based methods such as button presses, fingerprint sensors, or other sensors to authenticate, making security hardware available only after user interaction, thereby enhancing security beyond password-only authentication.
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
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a personal digital identity device as an intermediary between the user and the authentication system. This device generates and manages digital identifiers that mediate the authentication process, replacing direct password entry with a hardware-based authentication mechanism that maintains user convenience while significantly improving security
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the software-based password authentication system with a hardware-based authentication system using a personal digital identity device. This substitution transitions from a purely software mechanism (passwords) to a hardware-enforced mechanism, making authentication more resistant to hacking while maintaining ease of use through automatic identifier generation
2Reliability
If hardware-based authentication is implemented, then security is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the authentication system into two independent components: a personal digital identity device that generates and stores digital identifiers, and a host system that processes authentication. This segmentation isolates the security-critical functions in a dedicated hardware device, improving security while allowing the host system to remain relatively simple
Solution Approach 2:
The personal digital identity device operates autonomously, automatically generating digital identifiers and managing authentication without requiring complex configuration or user intervention. This self-service capability reduces the operational complexity despite the enhanced security features
Data Source
AI summary
A personal digital ID device provides a digital identifier to a service for a predetermined duration in response to user interaction. The user interaction may include a button press. The personal digital ID device may be in the form of a bracelet, a key fob, or other form factor. The service may be provided by a mobile device, in the cloud, or elsewhere.