Quantum Challenge-Response Authentication Against Relay Attacks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing authentication systems are vulnerable to relay attacks, which allow attackers to relay authentication requests and responses over long distances, compromising the proximity-based security of keyless systems.
Innovation Solution
Implementing quantum communication channels using photon-based communication for authentication challenges and responses, combined with non-quantum channels, to ensure that only proximal entities can successfully complete the authentication process, thereby detecting and preventing relay attacks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If radio waves are used for authentication communication, then ease of operation is improved, but vulnerability to relay attacks increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary verification mechanism using electromagnetic field characteristics as a mediator between the communicating devices. The system measures and verifies field properties (impedance, coupling coefficient, resonant frequency) that change predictably with distance, creating an intermediate layer of verification that prevents relay attacks while maintaining radio wave communication convenience.
2Reliability
If distance bounding protocols are implemented, then reliability of proximity verification is improved, but processing delays increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary characterization of the electromagnetic field properties during device pairing or idle states, storing baseline measurements of impedance, coupling coefficients, and resonant frequencies. During actual authentication, the system only needs to compare current measurements against pre-stored baselines, significantly reducing processing time while maintaining reliable proximity verification.
3Measurement precision
If electromagnetic field measurements are performed, then measurement precision of device proximity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the existing electromagnetic field components already present in radio communication devices (antennas, transmitters, receivers) to perform proximity measurements. The same hardware used for communication also serves as the measurement apparatus by monitoring field coupling, impedance changes, and resonant frequency shifts, eliminating the need for separate dedicated measurement hardware.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The method effectively prevents relay attacks by ensuring that only devices in close proximity can authenticate, maintaining the security integrity of keyless systems and other applications.
Implementation Method 1
at least one of the authentication challenge or authentication response is encoded as a sequence of qubits and delivered over a quantum communication channel between the verifying device and the responding device
Data Source
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AI summary
A method (100) for performing an authentication procedure between a verifying device and a responding device is disclosed, the verifying and responding devices being provisioned with security credentials. The method, performed by the verifying device, comprises generating an authentication challenge (110), delivering the authentication challenge to the responding device (120), receiving an authentication response from the responding device (130), and verifying the authentication response (140). According to the method, at least one of the authentication challenge or authentication response is encoded as a sequence of qubits and delivered over a quantum communication channel between the verifying device and the responding device (120A, 120B, 130A, 130B). Also disclosed are methods for delivering and receiving a message over a quantum communication channel, and devices for performing authentication and message exchange methods.