Secure Consumer Programming Device with Keep-Alive Server
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Solution Overview
Problem
Secure servers used in provisioning consumer electronic devices, such as mobile phones, are vulnerable to unauthorized access and tampering, which can lead to illegal device manufacturing and unauthorized configuration, as existing solutions lack robust mechanisms for resource authorization and secure data transfer.
Innovation Solution
A method and system where a consumer programming device receives enable messages over a communication link to authorize resource provision to electronic devices, with a controller generating data for provisioning and storing it in memory, ensuring secure transfer only when authorized, and employing a keep-alive server to monitor and respond to enable messages for continuous operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the consumer programming device stores configuration information locally, then it can provide services to consumer electronic devices, but it becomes vulnerable to theft and tampering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the configuration information from the consumer programming device and stores it remotely on a server. The device only holds minimal operational data, while secure configuration data is obtained on-demand from the remote server through authenticated communication, eliminating the security vulnerability of storing sensitive information locally.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a remote server as an intermediary between the consumer programming device and the configuration information. The server acts as a secure repository that provides configuration data only to authenticated devices, mediating the access control and eliminating the need for the programming device to store sensitive information locally.
2Productivity
If the consumer programming device has continuous access to configuration information, then it can service devices efficiently, but unauthorized users can exploit it if stolen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic access control where the consumer programming device must periodically authenticate with the remote server to maintain access to configuration information. The device's ability to provision services is dynamically controlled based on its authentication status, allowing efficient operation when authorized and automatic disabling when stolen or compromised.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes preliminary authentication mechanisms before the device can access configuration information. The device must prove its identity and authorization status before receiving configuration data, and this authentication must be maintained continuously through periodic verification, preventing unauthorized use before it can occur.
3Reliability
If the device uses remote server for configuration data, then security is improved, but communication dependency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the communication link serve multiple functions: it is used for both authentication/authorization and for actual configuration data transfer. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated security channels and simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining security through the remote server approach.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided for operating a consumer programming device that provisions consumer electronic devices. The method includes receiving over a communication link a first enable message that authorizes the consumer programming device to make available one or more resources which enable it to provide services to consumer electronic devices. Services are provided to consumer electronic devices up until all the resources have been exhausted. Additional consumer electronic devices are provided with services only if a second enable message is received over the communication link.