Mobile Payment Feature Control by Time and Location
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods to prevent unauthorized use of mobile applications, such as forced money transfers, are either impractical or ineffective, particularly in situations where individuals are vulnerable to criminal coercion.
Innovation Solution
Implementing systems and methods to disable or enable mobile application features based on time and location, using a computer program that receives requests to disable or enable features for a specified period or at certain locations, and utilizes location sensing to manage access rights.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If individuals delete bank and payment applications when not being used, then security risk is reduced, but convenience and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The application implements dynamic enable/disable functionality where payment features are automatically disabled during high-risk periods (such as nighttime hours or when location data indicates being outside safe zones) and enabled during safe periods. This allows the application to adapt its functionality based on real-time conditions, providing security when needed while maintaining convenience when safe.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters of the application based on time and location conditions. When risk parameters are triggered (such as time of day or location status), the application modifies its enabled features accordingly, transitioning between secure restricted mode and full functionality mode without requiring manual user intervention.
2Reliability
If individuals avoid having their phone out when outside at night, then security risk is reduced, but productivity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The application dynamically adjusts its functionality based on temporal and spatial conditions. During nighttime hours or when location data indicates being outside designated safe zones, payment features are automatically disabled while the application remains accessible for other functions. When safe conditions are detected, full functionality is restored, ensuring productivity is not compromised.
3Reliability
If biometric authentication and multi-factor authentication are used, then security is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary security assessments based on time and location conditions before requiring authentication. When risk parameters are detected (such as nighttime or high-risk locations), the system proactively disables payment features without requiring authentication. This preliminary action prevents unauthorized transactions before they can occur, reducing the need for complex authentication procedures during critical security moments.
Data Source
AI summary
A method may include: (1) receiving, at a computer program, such as a mobile banking application, executed by an electronic device, a request to disable a feature of the computer program, such as a payment feature, for a time period; (2) disabling, by the computer program, the feature; (3) determining, by the computer program, that the time period has passed; and (4) enabling, by the computer program, the feature. The feature may be disabled by removing an icon to access the feature, and may be enabled by adding the icon to access the feature. The method may also include: monitoring, by the computer program, a location of the electronic device; determining, by the computer program, that the electronic device is in a registered location; and enabling, by the computer program, the feature even if the time period has not passed.