Signature Device TLS Authentication via USB
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current electronic signature devices lack a practical mechanism for authentication between the signature tablet and the host computer, making them vulnerable to man-in-the-middle attacks and security breaches, especially when the tablet is replaced or used in untrusted environments, and existing encryption schemes are complex and costly.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a Transport Layer Security (TLS) protocol for authentication and data protection between signature devices and host computers using USB interfaces, with mutual authentication and public key infrastructure (PKI) to ensure secure communication, including the use of client and server certificates and certificate revocation lists to manage trust and security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If proprietary security and encryption schemes are implemented, then security is improved, but cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universal security protocols (TLS/SSL) that are widely implemented across multiple devices and systems, rather than proprietary schemes. This allows the signature device to use standard, well-audited cryptographic libraries that provide proven security without requiring custom implementation, thereby reducing complexity while maintaining high security standards.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a certificate authority (CA) as an intermediary that issues digital certificates to verify the authenticity of the signature device. This mediator enables mutual authentication between the host computer and signature device through standardized certificate verification, providing robust security without requiring direct trust relationships or custom cryptographic protocols between the parties.
2Reliability
If proprietary security and encryption schemes are implemented, then security is improved, but implementation effort and expense increase
Solution Approach 1:
The signature device automatically generates its own cryptographic key pairs and obtains digital certificates from a CA without requiring manual configuration or custom security implementation. The device self-manages its security credentials and automatically establishes secure connections using standard protocols, eliminating the need for manufacturers to implement and maintain complex proprietary security systems.
Solution Approach 2:
By using universally supported TLS/SSL protocols and standard cryptographic libraries, the patent enables security implementation that can be reused across different devices and platforms. This approach leverages existing, well-tested codebases and infrastructure, significantly reducing development effort and expense compared to creating proprietary security schemes from scratch.
3Reliability
If authentication mechanisms are added to protect against man-in-the-middle attacks, then security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses digital certificates issued by a trusted CA as an intermediary verification mechanism. During the TLS handshake, both the host computer and signature device exchange and verify each other's certificates, which serve as proof of identity. This mediator-based authentication prevents man-in-the-middle attacks without requiring the devices to implement complex custom verification logic, as the certificate validation follows standardized procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
A transport layer security (TLS) connection is established between a signature device and the host computer via an interface (e.g., a universal serial bus (USB) interface). The signature device acts as a TLS server, and the host computer acts as a TLS client. Data such as pen data, control data, or image data may be received or transmitted via a USB bulk transfer mechanism. In one aspect, the host computer sends a command via the interface to the signature device to generate a new key pair, receives a certificate signing request (CSR) from the signature device via the interface, sends the CSR to a user certificate authority, receives a public key certificate from the user certificate authority, and sends the public key certificate to the signature device via the interface.