NFC Transceiver Security via Processor-Controlled Erasure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile devices with Near Field Communication (NFC) capabilities face challenges in securely managing and erasing sensitive applications and data, particularly in scenarios where unauthorized access or device wiping is necessary, such as when a user loses control of the device or receives a remote wipe command.
Innovation Solution
A mobile wireless communications device is equipped with a processor that disables the NFC transceiver and erases applications from secure memory based on security conditions, such as excessive incorrect access attempts or remote commands, performing a reset operation and enabling access to the NFC transceiver only after successful erasure, ensuring secure data protection and device wiping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If NFC applications are stored in secure memory for contactless communication, then communication functionality is enabled, but security risk increases when device is lost or compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by disabling the NFC transceiver and erasing applications from secure memory before the device is fully compromised or when a security condition is detected. This preventive measure ensures that even if the device is lost or stolen, the NFC functionality cannot be exploited as the applications have already been erased and the transceiver disabled.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the NFC applications from secure memory and removes them when a security condition is detected. By separating the applications from the secure memory and erasing them, the system eliminates the security risk while maintaining the ability to restore functionality if needed.
2Reliability
If remote wipe command is implemented to erase NFC data, then security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service by automatically detecting security conditions and executing the wipe operation without requiring external intervention. When a security condition is detected, the processor automatically disables the NFC transceiver, erases the applications from secure memory, and resets the system, eliminating the need for complex remote management infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges multiple security functions into a single integrated mechanism. The same processor that manages NFC operations also handles security monitoring, condition detection, and wipe execution, consolidating what could be separate complex systems into a unified approach.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If NFC transceiver is disabled upon security condition, then unauthorized access is prevented, but communication functionality is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary disabling of the NFC transceiver when a security condition is detected, preventing unauthorized access before it can occur. This preliminary action ensures that even if attempts are made to access NFC functionality, the transceiver is already disabled and cannot facilitate unauthorized communication.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of trying to secure NFC access while maintaining functionality, the system inverts the approach by completely disabling the transceiver and erasing applications when security conditions arise. This radical inversion prioritizes security over functionality, accepting complete loss of NFC capability rather than risking partial compromise.
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 solution effectively secures NFC applications and data by disabling access and erasing content upon security conditions, ensuring the device is wiped securely and efficiently, even when not connected to a network, thereby protecting sensitive information and maintaining user privacy.
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
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AI summary
A mobile wireless communications device may include a wireless transceiver, a processor coupled with the wireless transceiver, and a near-field communication (NFC) device coupled with the processor. The NFC device may include an NFC controller, an NFC transceiver coupled with the NFC controller, and a first memory coupled with the NFC controller. The first memory may be configured to store at least one first application. The mobile wireless communications device may also include a second memory coupled to the processor and configured to store at least one second application. The processor may be configured to disable the NFC transceiver based upon a security condition, disable access to the at least one first application, erase the at least one second application, perform reset operation, and erase the at least one application from the first memory after the reset operation.