QR Code Authentication for Hierarchical Account Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional account login systems are prone to security vulnerabilities due to the misuse of usernames and passwords, especially in hierarchical account systems where numerous sub-accounts increase the risk of password leakage.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a Quick Response Code (QR Code) system that includes information about a primary account and time validity information, allowing a secondary account to log in only if a valid primary-secondary relationship exists and the QR Code has not expired, enhancing security and convenience by limiting permanent access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional username and password authentication is used, then account access is enabled, but security vulnerabilities increase due to password forgery, replication, and misappropriation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the authentication mechanism from traditional username-password pairs and replaces it with QR code-based authentication. The QR code contains encoded account information that is extracted and verified by the server, eliminating the need for users to manually input and manage passwords, thereby removing the vulnerability vector of password theft and replication.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses QR codes as visual copies of account authentication data. Instead of transmitting sensitive password information textually, the system creates a visual representation (QR code) that encodes the necessary authentication information. This visual copy can be displayed on screen or printed, providing a secure alternative to traditional password transmission that cannot be easily intercepted or replicated.
2Adaptability or versatility
If numerous sub-accounts are created in hierarchical account systems, then account functionality is enhanced, but password leakage risk increases due to the large number of accounts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service authentication where each sub-account can independently generate and use its own QR code for authentication. The system automatically manages the authentication process without requiring manual password distribution or management by the main account holder. This eliminates the security risk associated with managing multiple passwords while maintaining the hierarchical account structure and its functional benefits.
3Ease of operation
If permanent login access is granted to secondary accounts, then convenience is improved, but security is worsened as stolen accounts can be maliciously used indefinitely
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static, permanent login authentication into a dynamic, time-limited process. QR codes are generated with embedded validity periods, and the system automatically revokes authentication rights after the specified time expires. This dynamic approach maintains login convenience for legitimate users while automatically preventing long-term misuse of stolen accounts, as the authentication tokens become invalid after their designated lifespan.
Data Source
AI summary
A server, primary client device, and secondary device may be provided. The server may be configured to receive a login request sent by a secondary client device, the login request including a secondary account identifier and an encoded image, the secondary account identifier associated with a secondary account. The server may decode the encoded image to identify a primary account identifier and an expiration time indicator encoded in the encoded image. The server may determine that the secondary account is linked with a primary account. The server may compare the expiration time indicator with the request time to determine that the encoded image has not expired. The server may authorize privileged communication with the secondary client device in response to the secondary account being linked with the primary account and determination that the encoded image has not expired.