Secure Reply Token for Anonymous User Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems lack an effective and efficient method to provide secure responses to unregistered users or prospects via the Internet, limiting the inclusion of private information in replies and requiring users to be registered and authenticated.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that allows unregistered users to submit inquiries or applications without registering, using a prospect-created password for secure communication, where responses are stored securely and accessible via a notification link, maintaining anonymity and privacy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If secure reply systems are implemented for unregistered users, then privacy and security are improved, but system complexity and implementation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a reply token as an intermediary element that bridges the gap between unregistered users and secure reply systems. The token contains encrypted user identifiers and is exchanged without requiring user registration or complex authentication infrastructure, thus maintaining security while avoiding system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the authentication requirement from the reply system by using reply tokens that encapsulate user identification information. This allows the system to provide secure replies to unregistered users without requiring them to create accounts or undergo complex registration processes
2Reliability
If registration and authentication are required for secure replies, then security is improved, but ease of operation and user convenience deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by generating and distributing reply tokens to unregistered users before any reply exchange occurs. This allows users to immediately participate in secure reply systems without undergoing registration or authentication procedures, maintaining both security and convenience
3Ease of manufacture
If existing infrastructure is utilized for secure replies, then cost-effectiveness is improved, but adaptability to unregistered users deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The reply token mechanism serves multiple functions: it provides user identification, enables secure reply delivery, and works with both registered and unregistered users. This universal approach allows existing infrastructure to be used effectively while adapting to various user types without requiring separate systems
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method whereby an unregistered, anonymous user at an organization's website makes a submission/inquiry and is able to access a secure response containing private information without pre-registering or establishing an account with the organization. A response to the user is made via an unsecured e-mail notification that provides the user with an HTTPS link to an authentication page. The user then enters his/her user identification, for example, the user email address and password which was associated with the original submission/inquiry. Once the email address and password is authenticated, the secure response message is displayed on the user's web browser in SSL. Each response is provided on a per-submission basis.