NFC Temporary ID Authorization for Secure Wireless Pairing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing near-field communication (NFC) technologies exchange sensitive device information, such as Bluetooth MAC addresses, without authorization, potentially leading to tracking or unauthorized connections, as typical pairing protocols require this information exchange before establishing a wireless link.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method where mobile devices establish an NFC communications link, provide a temporary device identifier, request authorization, and only exchange permanent device IDs once authorization is received, thereby securing sensitive information from unauthorized sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If typical pairing protocols exchange device information before establishing a wireless link, then the link establishment process is simplified, but sensitive device information is exposed to unauthorized sources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by establishing the NFC communication link and obtaining user authorization before exchanging sensitive device information. The permanent device IDs are only shared after the user has had a chance to review and authorize the connection, preventing unauthorized information exposure while maintaining a streamlined process for authorized connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a temporary communication phase through NFC that mediates between link establishment and sensitive information exchange. The NFC link serves as an intermediary layer that enables initial communication and authorization without immediately exposing permanent device IDs, thus protecting sensitive information while facilitating link establishment.
2Loss of time
If permanent device IDs are exchanged immediately during NFC pairing, then wireless link establishment is faster, but tracking and unauthorized connections become possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by establishing the NFC link and securing user authorization before exchanging permanent device IDs. This preliminary authorization phase ensures that time is not significantly lost while maintaining security, as the actual permanent ID exchange occurs only after authorization is confirmed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs temporary identifiers during the initial NFC communication phase that are short-lived and discarded after authorization. These temporary objects enable the pairing process without exposing permanent identifiers, thus maintaining both speed and security by using disposable identification mechanisms for the initial interaction.
3Adaptability or versatility
If device information is shared without authorization, then connectivity establishment is more straightforward, but user control and security are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by providing users with visible authorization prompts and connection status information during the pairing process. Users receive feedback about which devices are attempting to connect and can review this information before authorizing the connection, thereby maintaining user control while enabling versatile connectivity establishment.
Solution Approach 2:
The NFC authorization mechanism serves as an intermediary between automatic connectivity establishment and user control. It mediates the connection process by requiring explicit user approval before permanent device IDs are exchanged, thus maintaining both adaptability in connectivity options and ease of user control through the authorization interface.
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
This approach ensures that sensitive device information is not shared with untrusted sources, providing a secure mechanism for establishing wireless links while alerting users to potential attacks through dynamic pseudorandom numbers and authorization menus.
Implementation Method 1
NFC technology is commonly used for contactless short-range communications based on radio frequency identification (RFID) standards, using magnetic field induction to enable communication between electronic devices
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless communications system may include first and second mobile wireless communications devices each comprising a respective input device, wireless transceiver, near-field communication (NFC) transceiver, and controller coupled to the input device, wireless transceiver and NFC transceiver. At least one of the controllers may be configured to establish an NFC communications link between the NFC transceivers when the first and second mobile wireless communications devices are in proximity, provide a temporary device identifier (ID) via the NFC communications link, request authorization to establish a wireless link between the wireless transceivers, provide a permanent device ID upon receiving the authorization and based upon the temporary device ID, and establish the wireless link between the wireless transceivers based upon the permanent device ID.