Medical Device TOTP Access Without Static Password Changes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medical devices connected to networks often require static passwords that need manual change, lacking robust security measures to protect patient data and prevent security attacks.
Innovation Solution
A time-based password system using a public-private key pair, where a server generates an authentication key based on a private key and time, ensuring secure access to medical devices by matching authentication keys between the server and data module.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If static passwords are used for access control, then device complexity is reduced, but security reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic authentication by replacing static passwords with time-based one-time passwords (TOTP) that change periodically. The authentication key is generated dynamically using a time-based algorithm, ensuring that credentials are valid only for a limited time window. This dynamic approach enhances security reliability while maintaining manageable system complexity through automated key generation and validation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of authentication from static to dynamic by introducing time as a variable parameter. The authentication key incorporates time-based elements that cause it to change over time, transforming the authentication mechanism from a fixed state to a time-varying state. This parameter change enables the system to maintain high security reliability without requiring overly complex manual intervention.
2Productivity
If manual password change is required, then authentication simplicity is maintained, but productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The authentication system performs self-service by automatically generating and validating time-based one-time passwords without requiring manual intervention. The system manages its own authentication keys and time synchronization, eliminating the need for users to manually change passwords. This self-service mechanism significantly improves productivity by removing time-consuming manual password management tasks while maintaining secure access.
Solution Approach 2:
The system ensures continuous authentication capability by maintaining time-based key generation without interruption. The time-based algorithm continuously produces valid authentication keys within the current time window, ensuring uninterrupted access. This continuous operation eliminates downtime associated with manual password changes, thereby improving productivity and reducing time loss.
3Reliability
If time-based authentication is implemented, then security reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a time-based algorithm as an intermediary mechanism that simplifies authentication key management. This intermediary layer handles the complexity of time synchronization and key generation automatically, shielding the user interface from these complexities. The time-based algorithm acts as a mediator between the authentication server and client, enabling high security reliability while keeping the user experience simple and the implementation manageable.
Data Source
AI summary
A data monitoring system comprising a server communicatively coupled to a client device and a data module via a network. The server is configured to store a private key of a public-private key pair associated with the data module, receive a request from the client device for authenticated access to the data module, and generate an authentication key based at least on the private key and a time. The client device is configured to generate the request for authenticated access to the data module and transmit the request to the server. The data module is configured to store the private key of the public-private key pair associated with the data module, generate the authentication key based at least on the private key and the time, and grant access to the data module if the authentication key generated by the data module and the authentication key generated by the server match.