Time-Limited Access Key Generation for Secure Authorization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Organizations face challenges in balancing system interoperability with information security, particularly in preventing unauthorized access to sensitive resources in complex distributed systems, which can lead to vulnerabilities and system downtime.
Innovation Solution
A process where entities must register an intent to access protected resources using an API call with an access token, generating an access key that includes timestamps and cryptographically protected information, ensuring that only authorized access is granted within a specified time frame, using OAuth for token-based authentication and authorization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional authentication mechanisms are used to protect sensitive resources, then security is maintained, but system complexity increases and interoperability is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The authentication process is segmented into distinct phases: intent registration phase and access request phase. The intent registration generates a time-limited access key that is separate from the actual access request, dividing the authentication flow into manageable segments that reduce overall system complexity while maintaining security
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary authentication by requiring entities to register their intent to access sensitive resources before actual access is granted. This preliminary action generates a time-limited access key that validates the entity's authorization, simplifying the subsequent access request process while maintaining robust security controls
2Adaptability or versatility
If simplified interaction mechanisms are implemented, then system interoperability improves, but security vulnerabilities may be introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The authentication mechanism dynamically adapts to different access scenarios through the intent registration process. The system generates time-limited access keys that are specific to each sensitive resource and entity combination, allowing flexible interoperability while maintaining security through dynamic credential validation rather than static authentication methods
Solution Approach 2:
The intent registration process acts as an intermediary between the entity and the sensitive resource. It creates a time-limited access key that mediates the interaction, allowing simplified direct access requests while maintaining security through the intermediary validation layer that verifies authorization without requiring complex continuous authentication
3Reliability
If strict access control measures are enforced, then unauthorized access is prevented, but system downtime increases due to component malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements beforehand cushioning by generating time-limited access keys that are valid only within a specific time window. This temporal limitation acts as a cushion against security threats, automatically invalidating credentials if compromised, while the predefined time validity reduces system downtime by eliminating the need for complex real-time validation of component states
4Reliability
If multiple authentication tokens are required, then security against man-in-the-middle attacks improves, but authentication process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The authentication tokens are segmented into two distinct components: the intent registration phase that generates the access key, and the access request phase that validates it. This segmentation provides attack mitigation through separated authentication stages while reducing overall process complexity by making each stage independent and clearly defined
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for securing access to protected resources are provided. In the method and apparatus, an access key and proof of successful completion of a first authentication is obtained in connection to a request. The proof of completion of the first authentication and the access key are verified. The access key is then used to generate a determination that information in the access key indicates that a second authentication was successfully completed prior to allowing the request to be fulfilled.