Messaging Source Verification via Authentication Token
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of messaging services often struggle to verify the source of messages, leading to anxiety and susceptibility to phishing scams due to inadequate identification methods, as phone numbers or user identifiers do not reliably confirm the intended message sender.
Innovation Solution
A messaging source verification system that includes a computer device with modules to configure a keyword for verification, register a verified channel, and send instructions to the message recipient to confirm the sender's identity through a trusted webpage, using an authentication token to ensure message authenticity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If phone numbers or user identifiers are used to identify message senders, then messaging services can operate with simple identification, but message recipients cannot reliably verify the intended sender leading to phishing susceptibility
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary verification actions by sending a first message with instructions to the message recipient before the actual message delivery, establishing a verification channel in advance. This preliminary action includes providing verification code and instructions that enable subsequent verification of the message source.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary verification mechanism where a verification code and instructions are transmitted through a first message channel, acting as a mediator between the message sender and recipient. This intermediary enables the recipient to verify the authentic source of messages without directly exposing sensitive identification information.
2Ease of operation
If no verification system is implemented, then messaging services remain simple and easy to use, but message recipients experience anxiety and susceptibility to phishing scams
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by transmitting verification instructions and codes to the message recipient, who can then verify the message source and provide confirmation. This feedback loop enables recipients to distinguish legitimate messages from phishing attempts, reducing susceptibility to scams while maintaining ease of operation through automated verification processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The verification system enables message recipients to independently verify message sources using provided verification codes and instructions, without requiring intervention from message senders or third parties. This self-service approach empowers recipients to protect themselves from phishing while keeping the messaging interface simple and easy to use.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, apparatus, and system to verify the source of a suspect message, so that it is no longer suspect.