Token Message Authentication for Real-Time Phishing Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Phishing attacks compromise computer and network security by tricking users into providing credentials, leading to significant downtime and resource consumption for remediation.
Innovation Solution
Implementing token-based message authentication using a user device with a first application to receive messages and a second application associated with the source, which extracts authenticity data (token and tag data) to verify message authenticity in real time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional message authentication methods are used, then message verification is performed, but users remain vulnerable to phishing attacks and credential theft
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a token as an intermediary element that mediates between the message sender and receiver. The token, generated by the sender's device and embedded in the message, serves as a trusted mediator that proves the message's authenticity without requiring the receiver to directly verify the sender's identity, thus preventing phishing attacks
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by generating and embedding the authentication token in the message at the time of message creation. This pre-established authentication mechanism is prepared in advance, so when the message is received, the authentication has already been performed, eliminating the need for additional verification steps and preventing phishing before it can occur
2Reliability
If token-based authentication is implemented, then phishing attacks are reduced, but system complexity increases due to additional authentication components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the token generation mechanism to leverage existing device capabilities (processor, memory, communication interfaces) that are already present in modern devices. The authentication system reuses existing cryptographic functions and message handling protocols, making the token-based authentication multi-functional and reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the authentication functionality into distinct modular components: token generation module, token embedding module, and token verification module. This segmentation allows each component to be independently implemented and maintained, reducing the perceived complexity while providing comprehensive phishing protection
3Measurement precision
If real-time message authentication is performed, then message authenticity is verified accurately, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs authentication in advance by generating and embedding the token when the message is created. This preliminary authentication action means that when the message is received, the verification has already been performed, eliminating real-time processing delays and maintaining high verification accuracy
Data Source
AI summary
In some implementations, a user device may receive, using a first application of the user device, a message that is purported to be from a source. The message may include, in a content of the message, content data and authenticity data, where the authenticity data includes a token. The user device may determine, using a second application of the user device, whether the message is authentic based on the authenticity data, where the second application is associated with the source. The user device may cause an indication of whether the message is authentic to be presented in a user interface of the user device.