Independent Processing Resource for Secure Password Entry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Computing devices expend excess power transitioning to a higher state for password entry attempts, even if incorrect, leading to inefficient energy usage and potential unauthorized access.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an independent second processing resource to manage password entry attempts and secure the device by storing attempts in non-volatile memory, preventing unauthorized access until a correct password is entered, and resetting the count upon successful login.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the computing device transitions to a higher power state for password entry attempts, then the device can process password input, but excessive power is consumed even for incorrect attempts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the processing resources into two separate components: a first processing resource that handles password input and remains in a low power state, and a second processing resource that handles authentication and transitions to a higher power state only when needed. This segmentation allows password entry to be processed without fully activating the system, thereby reducing unnecessary power consumption while maintaining operational capability.
2Ease of operation
If the device allows multiple password attempts, then authorized users can recover from typing errors, but unauthorized access risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the first processing resource monitors and communicates the number of password attempts to the second processing resource. Based on this feedback, the system can dynamically adjust its response - allowing multiple attempts for legitimate users while implementing security measures such as account locking or alerting authorities when a threshold is exceeded, thus balancing usability with security.
Data Source
AI summary
Examples described herein relate to a system consistent with the disclosure. For instance, the system may comprise a display, a computing device, a display, an input mechanism commutatively coupled to the computing device, and an independent second processing resource to receive a password entry to unlock the computing device while the computing device is in a S5 state, determine a total number of incorrect password entry attempts to successfully unlock the computing device, save the total number of password entry attempts to a non-volatile memory of the independent second processing resource, and secure the computing device in response to a determination that the total number of incorrect password entry attempts exceeds a threshold value.