Secure Implantable Device Communication via Proximity Authentication
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Implantable medical devices are vulnerable to unauthorized access through long-range communication channels, posing risks to patient privacy and health.
Innovation Solution
The method establishes a secure communication session between an external device and an implantable medical device by using physical proximity to authorize the external device, eliminating the need for biometric data or fixed cryptographic keys, and employing volatile keys that change with each session.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If long-range communication channels are used for implantable medical devices, then communication range is improved, but security against unauthorized access deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The authentication process is segmented into two distinct phases: (1) physical proximity verification using short-range communication, and (2) authorized long-range communication establishment. This segmentation allows the system to benefit from both short-range security and long-range accessibility without compromising either.
Solution Approach 2:
Physical proximity authentication is performed as a preliminary action before establishing long-range communication. The external device must first be physically close to the implantable device to prove legitimate access, and only then is long-range communication authorized. This preliminary verification prevents unauthorized remote access while maintaining convenient long-range operation.
2Ease of operation
If fixed cryptographic keys are used for authentication, then authentication simplicity is improved, but security against key compromise deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static fixed cryptographic keys to dynamic session-specific keys. Each communication session generates unique authentication credentials that are valid only for that specific session, eliminating the security risk of key compromise while maintaining authentication simplicity through automated key management.
Solution Approach 2:
The authentication mechanism changes from using fixed, unchanging cryptographic keys to using dynamically generated session keys. This parameter change ensures that even if one session key is compromised, it cannot be used to access other sessions, thereby maintaining security while preserving ease of operation through automated key rotation.
3Reliability
If biometric data or fixed cryptographic keys are required for authentication, then security is improved, but authentication complexity and user burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
Physical proximity serves as an intermediary authentication mechanism between the external device and implantable device. Instead of requiring complex biometric verification or cryptographic key management from the user, the system uses the physical act of bringing devices close together as the authentication medium, simplifying user interaction while maintaining strong security through the generated session keys.
Data Source
AI summary
In various examples, a method of establishing a communication session between an external device and an implantable medical device is described. The method includes generating at the external device a first private key and a first public key. A start session order is sent over a long-range communication channel. Evidence of physical proximity is sent from the external device to the implantable medical device over a short-range communication channel. A second private key and a second public key are generated at the implantable medical device. A first shared key is generated by the implantable medical device using the first public key and the second private key. A second shared key is generated by the external device using the second public key and the first private key. The first and second shared keys are used to encrypt and decrypt one or more messages between the external device and the implantable medical device.