NFC-Tap File Encryption for Unauthorized Access Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hard disk encryption methods are vulnerable to unauthorized access when the computing device is in an active state, as the entire hard disk is decrypted upon boot, and users often rely on insecure password protection which can be easily cracked.
Innovation Solution
Implementing NFC-tap file encryption and decryption technology, where sensitive files remain encrypted unless accessed via an NFC-enabled device, such as a smartphone or NFC card, which automatically provides the decryption key upon proximity, eliminating the need for manual password entry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the entire hard disk is decrypted upon system boot, then the computing device can be in a working state with full access to files, but unauthorized access may occur when the device is left unattended
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the hard disk into encrypted and decrypted portions. Instead of decrypting the entire hard disk upon boot, only specific files or directories that require access are decrypted, while the rest remain encrypted. This segmentation allows the system to maintain security while providing necessary file accessibility during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The encryption state of files on the hard disk becomes dynamic rather than static. Files can be decrypted on-demand when accessed by authorized users and re-encrypted when no longer needed, allowing the security state to change dynamically based on usage patterns while maintaining overall system security.
2Reliability
If users password-protect sensitive files, then security is improved, but the approach is not user-friendly as users need to remember and manually enter passwords
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically manages file encryption and decryption without requiring user intervention. When an authorized user accesses the computing device, the system automatically decrypts files they need access to and re-encrypts them when access is no longer needed, eliminating the need for users to manually enter passwords while maintaining strong security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary authentication mechanism (such as biometric authentication or secure token verification) that mediates between the user and the encrypted files. This intermediary verifies user identity and automatically triggers the decryption process, removing the burden of password management from the user while maintaining security controls.
3Reliability
If strong passwords are used, then security is improved, but passwords can be easily cracked by attackers and may be exchanged via insecure channels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional password-based authentication mechanisms with alternative authentication methods such as biometric authentication (fingerprint, facial recognition) or hardware-based security tokens. This substitution eliminates vulnerabilities associated with password cracking and insecure password transmission while maintaining or improving security levels.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Prevents unauthorized access to encrypted files even when the device is stolen or left unattended, enhancing security without requiring users to remember or enter passwords, as files are only decrypted when the authorized NFC device is present.
Implementation Method 1
NFC uses magnetic induction between two loop antennas located within two NFC-enabled devices that are within close proximity of each other, effectively forming an air-core transformer
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and devices for NFC-tap file encryption, decryption and access via Near Field Communication (NFC) are disclosed. A user can select an unencrypted file stored in a computing device for encryption. Upon encryption, the file name of the selected file and the encryption key used to encrypt the selected file are transmitted to an NFC-enabled wireless device for storage. The user can select an encrypted file stored in the computing device for access. As the user taps the computing device with the wireless device, the file name of the selected file is transmitted to the wireless device, which in turn transmits a decryption key for decrypting the selected file to the computing device. The computing device decrypts the selected file with the decryption key. The user can now access the decrypted file.