PKI-Based Emergency Alert Validation Across Public and Private Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current public warning systems are vulnerable to malicious actors broadcasting false emergency alerts, and there is a lack of regulation for non-public networks (NPNs) in broadcasting wireless emergency alert (WEA) messages, necessitating a secure and reliable method for message transmission across both public networks and NPNs.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) to generate and validate cryptographic signatures for emergency alert messages using both public and non-public networks, ensuring only authorized entities can broadcast and receive valid alerts by utilizing first and second private keys associated with public and NPNs, respectively, and validating these messages using corresponding public keys stored on user equipment (UE).
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cryptographic validation using PKI is implemented for all alert messages, then security and reliability are improved, but device complexity and processing overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-provisioning public keys and validation certificates into user equipment during manufacturing or network registration. This allows devices to immediately validate alert messages without requiring complex real-time key management, thereby improving reliability while minimizing processing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary approach by using pre-configured public keys as mediators between the alert broadcasting infrastructure and user equipment. These public keys enable direct validation without requiring complex cryptographic operations or trusted third-party verification during alert delivery, resolving the contradiction between security and complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If non-public networks are allowed to broadcast emergency alerts, then coverage and accessibility are improved, but security risks and false alert potential increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing network-specific public keys and validation certificates tailored to each non-public network's security requirements and operational context. This allows customized security validation for different network types (e.g., private 5G networks, enterprise networks) while maintaining overall system-wide alert validation, enabling versatile coverage with controlled security risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by dynamically adjusting validation parameters such as certificate authority trust lists, key algorithms, and validation thresholds based on the specific non-public network's security configuration. This enables the system to accommodate diverse network types with varying security requirements while preventing false alerts through appropriate parameter selection for each network context.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods discussed herein are directed to handling the transmission of emergency alert messages, such as wireless emergency alert (WEA) messages, using a Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) made available to public networks and non-public networks (NPNs) as well as the computing devices (e.g., terminals, user equipment (UE), etc.) operating on the public networks and/or NPNS. The emergency alert messages may be transmitted and/or presented using cryptographic signatures generated by private key and/or public keys associated with the PKI.