Identity Platform Session Revocation Signaling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing computing systems with long-lasting login sessions leave a significant window for attackers to access compromised resources, even after security breaches are detected, as traditional revocation methods impact usability by forcing frequent re-authentications.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a signaling mechanism that allows identity platforms to revoke user sessions by generating signals when account compromises or credential changes are detected, enabling users or administrators to invalidate sessions across relying parties without requiring immediate re-authentication, thus balancing security and usability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If long-lasting login sessions are used, then user convenience is improved, but security is worsened due to extended attack windows
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by establishing login sessions with predetermined expiration times and implementing monitoring mechanisms that detect credential compromises before attackers can fully exploit the extended attack window. Session tokens are pre-configured with validity periods that balance user convenience with security requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback loops where credential monitoring services constantly check for compromises, and when detected, immediately trigger session revocation signals. This real-time feedback mechanism allows the system to respond dynamically to security threats while maintaining long session durations for legitimate users.
2Reliability
If traditional session revocation methods are used, then security is improved by invalidating compromised sessions, but usability is worsened by forcing frequent re-authentications
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts the authentication burden from the user by implementing credential monitoring and automatic session revocation mechanisms. When a credential compromise is detected, the system automatically invalidates sessions and manages the re-authentication process without requiring users to manually intervene or frequently re-authenticate.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary credential monitoring service that acts as a mediator between security requirements and user convenience. This intermediary continuously monitors for credential compromises, determines when session revocation is necessary, and manages the revocation process transparently, shielding users from the complexity of session management while maintaining security.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments are directed to revoking user sessions using signaling. In one scenario, an identity platform operating on a computer system receives an indication indicating that a user's login account has been compromised, where the user's login account has an associated login session and corresponding session artifact that is valid for a specified amount of time. The identity platform generates a signal indicating that the login session is no longer trusted and that the user is to be re-directed to the identity platform to re-authenticate and renew the session artifact and provides the generated signal to various relying parties including at least one relying party that is hosting the login session for the user.