Secure Telecommunication Configuration Update via Cryptographic Signatures
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing telecommunication devices require physical visits or complex architectures for adjusting access controls, which is burdensome for users and increases system complexity, especially when unlocking or locking devices for travel or recovery purposes.
Innovation Solution
A method for remotely updating configuration records in telecommunication devices using cryptographic signatures and device identifiers, allowing locking or unlocking over the air without a separate secure operating system, reducing storage and power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical visits or complex architectures are used for adjusting access controls, then security control capability is improved, but user convenience deteriorates and system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical mechanical operations (visiting service centers, manual device handling) with electronic/cryptographic operations. Configuration updates are transmitted over-the-air using cryptographic signatures, eliminating the need for physical device interaction while maintaining security control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a configuration update mechanism with cryptographic verification as an intermediary between the user and the device configuration system. The signed configuration records act as a trusted mediator that enables secure remote updates without requiring direct physical access or complex user-side security architecture.
2Reliability
If physical visits or complex architectures are used for adjusting access controls, then security control capability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the cryptographic verification logic from the complex secure operating system architecture and implements it as a standalone configuration update mechanism. The security processor verifies cryptographic signatures independently without requiring a separate secure OS, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining security control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses cryptographic signatures as verified copies of authorization information. Instead of implementing complex permission management systems, the device verifies signed configuration records that contain all necessary access control information, simplifying the security architecture through cryptographic copying and verification.
3Reliability
If separate secure operating system is implemented, then security is improved, but storage and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential cryptographic verification functions from a full secure operating system. The security processor performs discrete cryptographic operations (signature verification) without requiring the overhead of a complete secure OS, reducing power consumption while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial security functionality - only the cryptographic verification capabilities needed for configuration updates are activated in the security processor. This partial implementation provides sufficient security for the specific use case while avoiding the excessive power consumption of a full secure operating system.
Data Source
AI summary
A network terminal, e.g., a smartphone, can retrieve, from a datastore, a cryptographically-signed configuration record including a device identifier of the terminal. The terminal can transmit a request message comprising the configuration record and the device identifier. A network device can verify authenticity of the device identifier and a match between the identifier in the record and the identifier in the message. In response to confirmation of the request by a policy engine, the network device can determine a reply message comprising a cryptographically-signed second configuration record that includes a second device identifier. The terminal can verify that the signature is valid and that the second device identifier matches the device identifier. In response, the terminal can modify data in the datastore according to the second configuration record. The configuration record can lock or unlock the terminal, or determine permitted services or network peers.