Secret Storage Application for Handheld Device Privacy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods lack effective solutions for secret and secure installation and execution of applications on handheld computing devices, particularly in shared family environments where privacy protection is essential.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing a hardware processor, memory module, external memory module, secret storage application, authentication module, and security module to enable authentication-driven secret installation and access of applications, with features like bio-metric authentication, privacy intrusion detection, and automatic shutdown of applications when privacy is compromised.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If secret storage location is created for applications, then user privacy is protected, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The storage space of the handheld device is segmented into multiple independent secret storage locations, each protected by separate authentication credentials. This allows different applications or data types to be stored in isolated secure environments, enhancing privacy protection while maintaining manageable system structure through modular organization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nested authentication mechanisms where multiple layers of security credentials are layered within each other. The authentication module verifies multiple credentials (biometric, password, token) in sequence, with each layer providing additional security. This nested approach strengthens privacy protection without requiring completely separate independent systems.
2Reliability
If multiple authentication methods are implemented, then security is enhanced, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The authentication system dynamically adapts its complexity based on the situation. The authentication module can adjust the number and type of credentials required based on risk assessment, user preferences, and context. For low-risk operations, fewer authentication steps are required, while high-risk operations trigger more stringent multi-factor authentication, optimizing both security and convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows users to modify authentication parameters such as the types of credentials required, the sequence of verification steps, and the conditions that trigger additional authentication. This flexibility enables users to balance security requirements against operational convenience by adjusting system parameters to their specific needs and risk tolerance levels.
3Reliability
If secret storage area is created, then application privacy is protected, but storage capacity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The secret storage locations are implemented as virtual security layers or containers within the existing physical storage architecture, rather than as separate physical storage media. These software-based secure containers overlay the existing storage structure, providing encryption and access control without requiring additional physical storage capacity, thus minimizing the impact on available storage space.
Data Source
AI summary
The embodiments herein provide a system and method for an authentication-driven secret installation and access to applications and data on handheld computing devices. The secret storage is installed and accessed by a directly installed application or a host application on the device. The system comprises an authentication module for authenticating a user to access a data stored in the secret storage area, and a security module for detecting an intrusion of user's privacy during an accessing of the secret storage area. The authentication module automatically shuts down the application when a privacy intrusion is detected continuously for a preset period of time. A secret storage application is run to create a clone of one or more applications installed outside the secret storage area while the created clone of the one or more applications are stored in the secret storage area.