Transparent Overlay and Headless Browser for Secure Credential Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional web login methods require users to input credentials directly into web browsers, leaving them vulnerable to password forgetfulness and potential brute force attacks, and lack efficient automated login solutions.
Innovation Solution
A transparent overlay and headless browser execution technique allows users to associate websites with password managers, capturing password data through an overlay instead of transmitting it directly, enabling secure storage and automated login using a credential manager application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If users input credentials directly into web browsers, then the login process is simple and direct, but users are vulnerable to password forgetfulness and potential brute force attacks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an overlay interface as an intermediary between the user and the web browser login process. This overlay captures credentials securely, validates them, and then triggers the actual login, acting as a protective mediator that enhances security while maintaining user-friendly operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary credential validation and security checks through the overlay interface before the actual login occurs. The system pre-verifies credentials, checks for brute force patterns, and prepares authentication tokens in advance, reducing risks before the critical login moment.
2Ease of operation
If users store passwords for retrieval, then password forgetfulness is prevented, but security risks increase if passwords are stored improperly
Solution Approach 1:
The overlay interface enables users to securely store their own credentials through an automated process. The system captures credentials during the login process, stores them in a secure manner, and automatically retrieves them for future logins, making the security management self-service oriented and user-controlled.
3Extent of automation
If automated login solutions are implemented, then user convenience is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the overlay interface, credential management system, and browser login process into a unified workflow. The overlay integrates seamlessly with the existing browser environment, combining multiple functions (credential capture, validation, storage, and automated login triggering) into a single cohesive interface that reduces perceived complexity for users.
Data Source
AI summary
Associating a website with a credential manager includes identifying the launch of a first instance of a website to be associated with a credential manager in a web browser, displaying, along with the first instance of the website in the web browser, an overlay prompting a user to enter login data for the website, receiving, through the overlay in the web browser, the login data for the website, accessing a second instance of the website in a headless browser, utilizing the login data to attempt gain access to the second instance of the website, and in response to gaining access to the second instance of the website utilizing the login data, storing the login data in secure storage.