Network Device ID Masking for IoT Privacy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Connected devices expose their unique identification numbers, making them vulnerable to unauthorized access and hacking, which can lead to privacy breaches and security risks.
Innovation Solution
A computing device and method that dynamically assigns a unique generic identification to network-enabled devices, masking their original IDs and replacing them in network traffic to prevent exposure, while allowing manufacturers to push updates by recognizing the generic ID.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If devices communicate their unique identification numbers on the network, then device communication and manufacturer updates are enabled, but devices become vulnerable to hacking and privacy breaches
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a masking device as an intermediary between the network device and external networks. This masking device generates and communicates a masked identification number instead of the unique device identification number, preventing hackers from obtaining sensitive information while still enabling device communication and manufacturer updates through the masked identifier
Solution Approach 2:
The masking device creates a copy or representation of the unique device identification number in the form of a masked identification number. This masked copy contains sufficient information for device communication and manufacturer recognition but omits sensitive details that would enable hacking, thus protecting the original identification while maintaining functionality
2Measurement precision
If the original device ID is exposed on the network, then precise device identification is achieved, but user privacy and security are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The masking device extracts only the necessary portion of the unique device identification number that is needed for device communication and manufacturer recognition, while removing or masking the sensitive portions that would compromise user privacy. This selective extraction maintains functional precision while protecting private information
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a masking device is introduced to protect device IDs, then security and privacy are enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The masking device operates autonomously to generate masked identification numbers without requiring complex configuration or intervention. The device automatically manages the masking process, reducing the operational complexity burden on users while maintaining enhanced security and privacy protection
Data Source
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AI summary
A computing device and method may mask an identification of another computing device from malicious and unauthorized use of that identification for network communication. An identification for a network-based electronic device may be received, and a generic device ID may be created for the received ID. The received ID and the generic device ID may be stored in a memory as being related. The generic ID may be communicated by the masking device and method to an outside network.