SMS Encryption via Security Flag and Key Manager
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing SMS messaging services compromise security when messages are sent to multiple recipient devices, as one compromised device can expose sensitive information to unauthorized parties, especially when devices are on different cellular networks with varying protocols.
Innovation Solution
Implementing end-to-end encryption using a centralized key manager device that generates and manages security keys for encrypting SMS messages, ensuring they are only delivered to a primary recipient device across different networks by modifying the SMPP protocol with a security flag.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If SMS messages are sent to multiple recipient devices for convenience, then ease of operation is improved, but security is worsened because one compromised device can expose sensitive information
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments message delivery by identifying a primary recipient device among multiple devices. The security flag in the SMPP protocol directs the message to be delivered only to the primary device, effectively segmenting the delivery process to prioritize security over convenience when confidentiality is required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism through the security flag and key manager device. This intermediary controls message delivery by verifying the primary recipient device identity before delivery, acting as a mediator between the sender and multiple potential recipient devices to ensure secure delivery.
2Reliability
If end-to-end encryption is implemented with centralized key management, then message security is improved, but device complexity is worsened due to protocol modifications
Solution Approach 1:
The key manager device serves multiple functions: generating encryption keys, managing key distribution, and verifying recipient device identities. This universal component handles all security-related operations, reducing the complexity burden on individual messaging devices while maintaining strong security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the SMPP protocol by adding a security flag parameter. This simple parameter change enables end-to-end encryption functionality without fundamentally restructuring the entire protocol, thus improving security while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
3Reliability
If messages are delivered only to primary recipient device, then security is improved, but ease of operation is worsened as users lose flexibility in accessing messages across devices
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically determines message delivery based on the security flag and primary recipient device identification. When security is prioritized, delivery is restricted to the primary device. The system can adapt its behavior based on the message type and security requirements, providing dynamic control over delivery flexibility versus security.
Data Source
AI summary
A device may receive an encrypted short message service (SMS) message en route from an originating device to a recipient device, the encrypted SMS message to be encrypted by the originating device using a key. The device may identify a flag associated with the encrypted SMS message. The device may determine, based on the flag, that the SMS message is encrypted. The device may provide the encrypted SMS message to the recipient device.