Multi-Stage Authentication System for Public Terminal Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing security schemes that require login information for accessing domains pose a risk when accessed from publicly accessible terminals, as they may allow unauthorized individuals to obtain and misuse this information.
Innovation Solution
A system that grants access to a resource based on multiple pre-shared secrets with different confidence levels and lifetimes, allowing for limited access initially and unlocking additional access only after further authentication, with the option to transmit tokens for specific transactions via secure channels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If login information is required for accessing a domain, then access control is improved, but security risk increases due to potential unauthorized access from public terminals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments authentication into multiple stages: initial login with basic credentials, then additional authentication factors (one-time passwords, biometric verification, security questions) for sensitive operations. This multi-layered segmentation ensures that compromise of one layer does not grant full access, resolving the contradiction between providing access control and preventing unauthorized access.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary authentication actions before granting access to sensitive functions. One-time passwords are generated in advance, biometric data is captured beforehand, and security credentials are pre-configured. These preliminary actions create security barriers that prevent unauthorized access even if initial login credentials are compromised.
2Reliability
If multiple authentication factors are required, then security is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The authentication system dynamically adjusts its complexity based on the situation. For routine operations, simple password authentication suffices. For sensitive transactions, the system automatically requires additional factors such as one-time passwords or biometric verification. This dynamic approach maintains high security when needed while avoiding unnecessary complexity for standard operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary components such as one-time password generators, biometric sensors, and security question databases that mediate between the user and the authentication system. These intermediaries handle the complexity of multiple authentication factors, presenting a unified and simplified interface to users while maintaining robust multi-factor authentication security.
3Ease of operation
If access is granted from public terminals, then accessibility is improved, but risk of credential theft increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs disposable one-time passwords that are generated for each authentication session and become invalid after use or expiration. These short-lived credentials can be transmitted through insecure channels like SMS or email without long-term security risks, enabling accessible authentication from public terminals while mitigating credential theft risk through their ephemeral nature.
Data Source
AI summary
In one example, a network device may be configured to authenticate a user based on a first pre-shared secret associated with a first login request as a condition to granting the user limited access. The network device may be configured to determine whether a received second request for the user is associated with an additional level of access. The network device may be configured to, in response to determining that the second request is associated with the additional level of access, authenticate the user based on a second pre-shared secret as a condition to granting the user the additional level of access.