P2P Proximity Lock for Enterprise Mobile Security

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Solution Overview

Problem

Mobile devices pose a security risk as they can be lost or stolen, allowing unauthorized access to enterprise networks and data, especially when left unattended or out of range from the primary device.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a peer-to-peer connection using Bluetooth or NFC between devices to lock the secondary device when it moves out of range from the primary device, with a time-out mechanism that varies based on location to ensure secure access to enterprise resources.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If mobile devices are used for enterprise communications, then connectivity and communication services are improved, but security risk increases due to potential loss or theft

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnectivity and communication servicesVSAvoidunauthorized access to enterprise network

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a proximity-based intermediary mechanism (using Bluetooth or NFC detection) between the mobile device and enterprise network access. The secondary device must maintain physical proximity to the primary device through this intermediary technology to access enterprise resources, creating an additional security layer without blocking legitimate communication services

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If devices are left unattended or out of range, then ease of use is improved, but security vulnerability increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice accessibilityVSAvoidsecurity protection

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic access control where the security state of the secondary device changes automatically based on real-time proximity detection. When the primary device is within range, access is permitted; when out of range, access is blocked. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by making security responsive to actual usage context rather than static

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If P2P connection monitoring is implemented, then enterprise security is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenterprise securityVSAvoidproximity monitoring system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex security monitoring mechanisms with simple, existing P2P proximity technologies (Bluetooth or NFC) that are already integrated into mobile devices. Instead of implementing a new complex monitoring system, the invention leverages existing mechanical/electromagnetic fields for proximity detection, thereby achieving enhanced security without significantly increasing device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS10231126B2System and method for enterprise security through P2P connection

Publication Date: 2019.03.12 GPVTL CANADA

AI summary

A method is provided for permitting access to enterprise resources mediated between a first peer device and a second peer device. A shared detection application is installed on both devices. When a second peer device requests access to enterprise resources, the first peer device detects if the devices are within a certain preset distance of each other. The second peer device is permitted to access the enterprise resources while the devices remain within the preset distance of each other. Access is shut-down after a pre-determined time if the first device and the second device are no longer within the preset distance of each other.