Quorum Authentication Using NFC Collective Signatures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional quorum-based authentication systems require separate communication between each group member and a central authentication server, limiting their appeal and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A quorum-based authentication method using near-field communication (NFC) among mobile devices to generate a collective signature or encryption key, which is then verified by a central server, allowing geographically distributed or co-located group members to authenticate securely without individual server communications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional quorum-based authentication requires separate communication between each group member and a central authentication server, then authentication security can be maintained, but authentication time increases and system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the authentication process by having group members perform NFC peer-to-peer communication to assemble a quorum signature collectively, then transmit it as a single unit to the authentication server. This combines multiple separate authentication communications into one consolidated process, reducing total authentication time while maintaining security through the quorum requirement that at least one member must be present.
2Ease of operation
If conventional quorum-based authentication requires separate communication between each group member and a central authentication server, then authentication can be performed individually, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces NFC technology as an intermediary mechanism that enables direct peer-to-peer communication between group members' mobile devices. This intermediary allows the authentication process to occur locally among members before server communication, simplifying the overall system architecture by eliminating the need for multiple separate server communication channels while maintaining the quorum authentication requirement.
3Ease of operation
If a single group member communicates with the authentication server, then authentication process is simple, but security is compromised if that member is malicious or compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the authentication authority by distributing cryptographic keys and authentication responsibility across multiple group members rather than concentrating it in a single member. Each member holds a portion of the authentication burden, and the quorum requirement ensures that no single compromised member can bypass security, as multiple independent members must cooperate to authenticate.
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
This approach enhances security by ensuring a single compromised member cannot bypass access, reduces authentication steps, and minimizes time by eliminating separate individual communications, creating a highly secure and efficient authentication system.
Implementation Method 1
the mobile device is equipped with near-field communication (NFC) capabilities and can read information (e.g., an identifier) from other similarly equipped mobile devices within a short-distance RF activation range
Data Source
AI summary
Representative embodiments of secure authentication to a resource in accordance with a predefined, electronically stored quorum-based authentication policy include causing electronic interaction among multiple devices that constitute a quorum in accordance with the policy, computationally determining whether the interaction satisfies the policy, and if so, electronically according access to the resource to one or more individuals associated with the interacting device(s).