Server-Side Electronic Signature System for Secure Web Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing client-side electronic signature systems require users to install new components and expose them to PKI provisioning processes, making them vulnerable to attacks and limiting their use in Web-based consumer interactions, while also lacking comprehensive services like multi-format document handling and trustworthy authentication.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented system and method that utilizes a Certification Authority, Signature Authority, and Presentation Authority to create and verify digital signatures on electronic documents, leveraging trustworthy client components for secure key management and authentication, without requiring additional installations, and allowing for comprehensive services like eDelivery, workflow control, and multi-format document handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If client-side electronic signature systems are implemented, then electronic signature functionality is provided, but users must install new components and undergo PKI provisioning which increases vulnerability to attacks and limits Web-based use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a server-side electronic signature system that acts as an intermediary between the signer and the document. Instead of requiring PKI components on the client side, the system provides signature functionality through a web server that handles key generation, certificate management, and signature creation remotely. This mediator approach eliminates the need for clients to install or manage cryptographic components while maintaining security and trustworthiness through server-side control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical PKI provisioning process (which requires installing software components, managing key pairs, and configuring certificates on client devices) with a web-based service model. The cryptographic operations that traditionally required local mechanical/software infrastructure are substituted with remote server-based operations accessible through standard web browsers, eliminating the need for client-side installations while maintaining cryptographic security.
2Reliability
If PKI components are exposed to users for signature creation, then digital signature functionality is achieved, but vulnerability to attacks increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the cryptographic key management and signature creation functions from the client environment and relocates them to a secure server environment. By removing PKI components from the client side entirely, the system eliminates the attack surface associated with local key storage and management while maintaining authentication capability through server-side cryptographic operations. The server acts as a secure enclave that handles all sensitive cryptographic operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The server-based system acts as an intermediary that mediates between the signer's authentication credentials and the document signing process. Instead of exposing cryptographic components directly to users, the system provides a controlled interface where authentication is verified and signatures are generated remotely. This intermediary layer protects against attacks by never exposing private keys or cryptographic operations to the client environment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If comprehensive services like eDelivery and workflow control are added, then functionality is enhanced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal server-based platform that provides multiple electronic signature services (eDelivery, workflow control, authentication, signature creation) through a single integrated system. Instead of requiring separate components for each function, the server consolidates all services into one multi-functional platform accessible through standard web interfaces. This approach enhances versatility while managing complexity through centralized architecture rather than distributed components.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for signing and authenticating electronic documents using public key cryptography applied by one or more server computer clusters operated in a trustworthy manner, which may act in cooperation with trusted components controlled and operated by the signer. The system employs a presentation authority for presenting an unsigned copy of an electronic document to a signing party and a signature authority for controlling a process for affixing an electronic signature to the unsigned document to create a signed electronic document. The system provides an applet for a signing party's computer that communicates with the signature authority.