Subscriber Card Security via Automatic Equipment Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing PIN code system for subscriber cards, such as SIM cards, is not widely accepted by users due to the inconvenience of having to input the PIN code each time the card is accessed, leading to security issues as users often avoid using it.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a security key system where the subscriber card authenticates a verification equipment, such as a mobile terminal, using a stored security key, allowing access only when authentication is successful, thus eliminating the need for frequent PIN code input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a PIN code system is used to protect subscriber card access, then security is improved, but usability deteriorates because users must input the PIN code each time they access the card
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-storing the security key in both the subscriber card and the verification equipment (mobile terminal) before access is needed. This allows the authentication to be performed automatically in the background without requiring user intervention at the moment of access, thus maintaining security while improving usability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service by enabling the subscriber card to automatically authenticate itself against the verification equipment using the pre-stored security key. The card performs the authentication function independently without requiring manual PIN code entry by the user, resolving the contradiction between security and ease of operation.
2Ease of operation
If no PIN code is used to avoid inconvenience, then usability is improved, but security deteriorates as the subscriber card becomes vulnerable to unauthorized access
Solution Approach 1:
The subscriber card performs automatic authentication using the pre-stored security key, enabling it to protect itself without requiring user action. This self-service mechanism maintains security while preserving usability, as users neither need to remember nor manually enter security codes.
Solution Approach 2:
The security key stored in both the subscriber card and verification equipment acts as an intermediary that enables automatic authentication. This intermediary mechanism provides security protection in the background without interfering with the user's normal card usage, thus maintaining both security and usability.
3Reliability
If a security key authentication system is implemented, then security is improved and automatic authentication is achieved, but device complexity increases due to the need for key storage and authentication mechanisms in both the card and verification equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The verification equipment (mobile terminal) utilizes its existing storage and processing capabilities to store and verify the security key, rather than requiring a separate dedicated authentication device. This multi-functional approach provides enhanced security while minimizing additional system complexity by leveraging the universal functions of the existing mobile terminal.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for ensuring the security of subscriber cards, includes the following steps: setting a security key in the subscriber card, and setting a verification equipment and storing the security key in the verification equipment; the subscriber card authenticating the verification equipment according to the security key before responding to relevant access request; if the authentication succeeds, the relevant access is permitted; otherwise, the relevant access is refused. With the present invention, the security of the subscriber card is guaranteed without using a PIN code, which is very convenient for the subscriber.