Identity Sensor Random Number Exchange for Secure Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless access control systems lack effective security measures to prevent 'man-in-the-middle' attacks and are not cost-efficient, particularly in ensuring the secure proof of identity token presence.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the exchange of unique, pseudo-random numbers between an identity token and an identity sensor, where the sensor immediately acknowledges receipt of a random number through a radio interface, limiting the waiting time to prevent attacks and reducing power consumption, using a fixed time window for data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If random numbers are exchanged between identity token and sensor, then security against man-in-the-middle attacks is improved, but communication time and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The identity sensor pre-generates and stores multiple random numbers RS in its buffer before receiving any request from the identity token. When the identity token sends a request, the sensor can immediately transmit a pre-prepared random number without generation delay, thus maintaining security while reducing communication time
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses single-use random numbers that are generated once and discarded after one exchange. Each random number pair (RS, RT) is used only once for authentication, preventing replay attacks while keeping the cryptographic operations simple and fast
2Reliability
If random numbers are exchanged between identity token and sensor, then security against man-in-the-middle attacks is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The identity sensor pre-generates and buffers multiple random numbers RS before they are needed. This shifts the computational workload to periods when the sensor is already powered on and operating, reducing peak power consumption during actual authentication events and allowing the sensor to enter low-power states between authentications
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs lightweight cryptographic operations using single-use random numbers rather than complex continuous authentication protocols. The random number generation and comparison operations are computationally inexpensive and complete quickly, minimizing energy consumption while providing strong security
3Reliability
If strict time limits are specified for random number transmission, then protection against man-in-the-middle attacks is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic time windows during which random number transmission is expected to occur. The identity sensor and token both have synchronized understanding of when transmissions should happen, allowing them to detect anomalies (such as delayed transmissions indicating man-in-the-middle attacks) without requiring complex real-time analysis. The periodic nature simplifies the timing logic while maintaining security
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for proving the presence of an identity token in the range of an identity sensor in a cryptographically secure manner and an identity sensor for such a method. The aim of the invention is to propose a method for proving the presence of an identity token in the range of an identity sensor in a cryptographically secure manner and an identity sensor for such a method that ensure a high level of security against misuse, that have a high level of flexibility, and that also can be realized at low cost. A method according to the invention for proving the presence of an identity token in the range of an identity sensor in a cryptographically secure manner comprises the exchange of at least one random number RT of an identity token with a random number RS of an identity sensor and the following steps: the identity sensor generates at least one random number RS and uploads said random number to a radio interface, holding the number in reserve as a confirmation packet for a second random number RT from an identity token arriving in the future, b) the identity token generates a random number RT and sends said random number to the identity sensor, and c) the identity sensor acknowledges the receipt of the random number RT from the identity token by immediately sending back the random number RS in the form of a single data packet.