TFAMoCo Two-Factor Authentication for Implantable Medical Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Implanted electronic medical devices (IEMDs) using electromagnetic waves for wireless communication are vulnerable to cyber-attacks, which can lead to unauthorized access, battery depletion, or eavesdropping, necessitating a more secure communication method.

Innovation Solution

A Two Factor Authentication using Molecular Communication (TFAMoCo) system that employs signaling molecules to encode and transmit information within the body, combining with electromagnetic communication to enhance security, where a transmitter releases controlled amounts and times of signaling molecules for the IEMD to detect and process, and the IEMD verifies the PIN through both molecular and electromagnetic channels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If electromagnetic waves are used for wireless communication with IEMD, then communication functionality is enabled, but security against cyber-attacks deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewireless communication functionalityVSAvoidsecurity against cyber-attacks

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The authentication process is segmented into two independent channels: molecular communication (MC) channel for transmitting authentication credentials and electromagnetic communication (EM) channel for device control. This segmentation ensures that compromising one channel does not compromise the entire system security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A molecular communication transmitter acts as an intermediary between the external world and the IEMD. It converts electromagnetic signals from the WPR into molecular signals that can be detected by the IEMD's MC module, creating a secure bridge that prevents direct electromagnetic hacking attempts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If molecular communication is added for security, then security is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity against eavesdroppingVSAvoiddual module architecture

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The IEMD is designed with multi-functionality by integrating both EM module (for control and data transmission) and MC module (for secure authentication). This universal design allows the single device to handle multiple communication protocols and security functions without requiring separate devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges two previously separate systems (EM communication and MC authentication) into a unified IEMD architecture. The control unit coordinates both modules, and the memory unit stores credentials for both channels, creating an integrated security system that reduces overall system complexity despite adding security functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If two factor authentication is implemented, then access security is improved, but operation time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveauthorized access controlVSAvoidauthentication process time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Authentication credentials are pre-loaded into the IEMD's memory during manufacturing or initial setup. The MC module has ready-to-use molecular credentials stored, eliminating the need for real-time credential generation or external verification during the authentication process, thus reducing time loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The molecular communication channel enables rapid transmission of authentication credentials directly to the IEMD without requiring complex multi-step verification protocols. The Wake-Up Signal (WUS) mechanism allows the IEMD to quickly transition from sleep mode to authentication mode, rushing through the authentication process efficiently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #21Skipping (Rushing through)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach provides robust security against eavesdropping and hijacking, as molecular communication within the body is difficult to intercept without physical contact, ensuring secure operation of IEMDs by only allowing authorized access.

Implementation Method 1

The transmitter sends PIN number using molecules by controlling the amount and release time of signaling molecules

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMolecular diffusion: Diffusion

Implementation Method 2

a receiver such as an IEMD with molecular communication (MC) module for receiving data by measuring the concentration of molecules in the body to infer the encoded information

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConcentration measurement:

Data Source

PatentUS20210195413A1Two factor authentication using molecular communication - a system and method

Publication Date: 2021.06.24 ALFAISAL UNIVERSITY

AI summary

Disclosed herein is a Two Factor Authentication system using Molecular Communication (TFAMoCo) to prevent hacking the wireless link of an IEMD. Also, disclosed herein a Two Factor Authentication using Molecular Communication (TFAMoCo) method that wakes up an IEMD and activate its electromagnetic (EM) module utilizing the IEMD's molecular communication (MC) module for detecting a molecular signal that carries a PIN number.