Tamper-proof NFC Subsystem for Secure Data Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Consumer devices with NFC capabilities, such as smartphones and tablets, lack tamper-proof protection for sensitive data, making them insecure for use cases requiring high security, like contactless payments and identity management, as they are not designed to be highly secure and existing solutions like Trusted Execution Environments and modified NFC controller firmware are not tamper-proof.
Innovation Solution
Creating a tamper-proof subsystem within these devices by isolating the NFC controller from the application processor and using a secure element to exclusively process sensitive data, ensuring no direct physical connection between the NFC controller and processor, thereby providing robust tamper-proof protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If NFC controller is directly connected to application processor for data exchange, then communication efficiency is improved, but security of sensitive data deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A secure element is introduced as an intermediary component between the NFC controller and application processor. The secure element receives sensitive data from the NFC controller, processes it securely, and then communicates with the application processor through controlled interfaces. This mediator architecture allows data exchange while preventing direct access to sensitive information, thus maintaining both communication efficiency and security.
2Reliability
If tamper-proof protection is implemented by isolating NFC controller from processor, then security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the secure element, NFC controller, and application processor into a unified system architecture where components work together through standardized interfaces. By merging these components into a coordinated system rather than separate isolated units, the patent achieves tamper-proof protection while managing complexity through integrated design and shared communication protocols.
3Reliability
If secure element is used to exclusively process sensitive data, then data security is improved, but processing speed may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The secure element is pre-configured with security credentials, cryptographic keys, and processing algorithms before actual data processing occurs. This preliminary preparation allows the secure element to rapidly process sensitive data without requiring complex security checks during operation, thus maintaining both high security and processing speed.
Data Source
AI summary
A radio communication device is described comprising: a transceiver circuit configured to communicate wirelessly with another device; a tamper-proof circuit connected to the transceiver circuit; and a processor connected to the tamper-proof circuit and configured to exchange data with the transceiver circuit via the tamper-proof circuit.