SMS Lost-Mode Command Relay for Wireless Device Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems lack a robust mechanism for remotely controlling lost or stolen devices, particularly in scenarios where Internet connections are unavailable, posing a risk to sensitive data and personal information.
Innovation Solution
A networked communication system that employs a server to relay a lost-mode command via an authorized relay device, using public-key cryptography to authenticate and encrypt messages, ensuring that only authorized devices can execute the command and prevent unauthorized access or data erasure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If Internet connection is used to relay commands to remote devices, then command delivery is possible, but the system fails when Internet connection is unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces SMS messaging as an intermediary communication channel between the administrative device and the remote device. When Internet connection is unavailable, the SMS gateway serves as a mediator to deliver control commands through the cellular network, ensuring command delivery reliability while adapting to different network conditions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If SMS gateway is used for command delivery, then communication without Internet is possible, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The SMS gateway acts as a lightweight intermediary that leverages existing cellular infrastructure rather than building a new communication system. This approach provides alternative communication capability while minimizing added system complexity by reusing established SMS protocols and cellular network components.
3Reliability
If public-key cryptography is implemented for message authentication, then security is improved, but processing overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-distributing public keys to remote devices during device enrollment or initial setup. This allows the remote device to perform only verification operations (checking signatures against pre-stored public keys) rather than performing full cryptographic key exchange or generation, significantly reducing processing energy while maintaining strong authentication security.
Data Source
AI summary
An administrator charged with responsibility for one or more administered wireless devices can use a wireless device to disable lost or stolen devices using an SMS lost-mode message. The payload of the lost-mode message can be encrypted to prevent malicious attacks. The payload may include a universal device identifier unique to the target device, the phone number of the administrator's device, and a time stamp memorializing command or message creation. Successful decryption authenticates the administrator. Before executing the lost-mode command, however, the target device reviews the unique identifier to verify the target and compares the phone number of the administrator's device with the number identified with the incoming SMS message to authenticate the relaying device. The target device can also consider an embedded time stamp to determine whether the lost-device command has been superseded.