Public-Private Key Password Manager Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Password-based authentication systems are vulnerable to security concerns such as dictionary attacks, brute force attacks, keylogging, malware, phishing, and social engineering, and the use of master passwords can be compromised, leading to unauthorized access to multiple accounts.
Innovation Solution
Implementing public-private key cryptography for password management, where a user device generates a public-private key pair, registers the public key with a password management server, and uses the private key to decrypt encrypted passwords, eliminating the need for a master password and enhancing security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If password-based authentication is used, then ease of operation is improved, but security is worsened due to vulnerability to dictionary attacks, brute force attacks, keylogging, malware, phishing, and social engineering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/password-based authentication system with a cryptographic system using public-private key pairs. Instead of relying on memorizable passwords that can be compromised through various attacks, the system uses asymmetric cryptography where the public key is shared with the password management server and the private key remains secure on the user's device. This substitution eliminates the vulnerability to dictionary attacks, brute force attacks, keylogging, malware, phishing, and social engineering while maintaining ease of operation through automated password retrieval and encryption.
2Ease of operation
If master password is used for password management, then ease of operation is improved, but security is worsened because the master password can be compromised leading to unauthorized access to multiple accounts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the master password concept from the system and replaces it with public-key cryptography. The public key is extracted and stored with the password management server, while the private key is extracted and kept securely on the user's device. This extraction eliminates the single point of failure (master password) that could be compromised, as the private key never needs to be shared or transmitted. The harmful factor of a compromised master password is removed from the system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces public-key cryptography as an intermediary mechanism between the user and the password management server. Instead of directly using a master password that could be compromised, the system uses the public key as an intermediary for encryption and the private key as an intermediary for decryption. This intermediary cryptographic mechanism provides security while maintaining ease of operation, as users don't need to remember or secure a master password.
3Reliability
If complex passwords are used to improve security, then security is improved, but ease of operation is worsened because users must remember complex passwords
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through automated password management. The system automatically encrypts passwords using the user's public key and stores them on the server. When the user needs access, the system automatically decrypts the password using the private key on the user's device. This eliminates the need for users to remember complex passwords while maintaining high security. The system serves itself by handling encryption, decryption, and password retrieval automatically without user intervention.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of the invention provide methods and systems for password management using public-private key cryptography. A user device generates a public-private key pair including a public key and a private key and registers the public key with a remote password management server. Account names and passwords can be stored at the password management server in association with the public key. To retrieve the passwords, the user device sends a request to the password management server including the public key. The password management server determines the password from the stored passwords and encrypts it using the public key. The encrypted password is sent to the user device, which can decrypt the encrypted password using the private key corresponding to the public key. The user device can then use the account name and password can to obtain account information from an account provider.