Proximity-Based Mobile Authentication System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-factor authentication protocols require users to carry additional security tokens or interact with devices, which can be inconvenient and may not enhance security effectively.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a proximity-based authentication protocol using a mobile device, where authentication is satisfied by determining the device's co-location or proximity to a computer system through geo-location or short-range connections, eliminating the need for additional tokens or device interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional multi-factor authentication is used requiring additional security tokens or device interaction, then authentication security is enhanced, but user convenience and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the authentication factor verification with the mobile device proximity detection into a single integrated process. The authentication system merges the verification of authentication factors with the detection of mobile device proximity, eliminating the need for separate token handling or additional device interactions while maintaining security requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile device serves multiple functions: it acts as both the authentication factor container and the proximity indicator. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate security tokens while maintaining authentication security, as the mobile device itself provides both the authentication credential and the proximity verification.
2Ease of operation
If proximity-based authentication is implemented using mobile device, then user convenience is improved by eliminating additional tokens, but authentication security may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary verification of authentication factors before relying on proximity detection. By pre-validating the authentication factors associated with the mobile device and establishing trusted associations between devices and users in advance, the system ensures that proximity alone cannot compromise security without proper authentication credentials.
Solution Approach 2:
The authentication system implements feedback mechanisms where the computer system verifies proximity information and cross-checks it with stored authentication factors. The system provides feedback loops that validate whether the proximate mobile device holds valid authentication factors, ensuring security is maintained while enabling convenient proximity-based access.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for performing multi-factor authentication. In one aspect, a method includes determining that a user has successfully completed an authentication factor, determining whether a mobile device associated with the user is proximate to a computer; and authenticating the user based on determining that the user has successfully completed the authentication factor, and that the mobile device is proximate to the computer.