Unified Login System for Multi-Provider Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current online user login systems require significant coding efforts from website administrators, are unique for each identity provider, and present challenges in transitioning legacy accounts to federated accounts, leading to inefficiencies and security concerns.
Innovation Solution
A system and method enabling unified user login through a login receiver module, identity provider determination module, legacy account module, and federated account module, which directs users to appropriate authentication methods based on their email addresses, allowing for seamless login and account creation across multiple identity providers and legacy systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a website administrator implements IDP support using current systems, then user authentication security is improved, but the coding effort and time required increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal IDP support mechanism where a single website can authenticate users from multiple different identity providers through a common authentication interface. The system uses standardized protocols (SAML, OAuth 2.0, OpenID Connect) that allow one website to work with many different IDPs without requiring separate custom coding for each provider, thus improving security while reducing implementation time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary authentication layer that mediates between the website and various IDPs. This intermediary handles the complex cryptographic verification and protocol-specific authentication logic, shielding the website administrator from implementing detailed IDP-specific coding while maintaining strong security through standardized verification processes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a website supports multiple IDPs with unique coding for each, then compatibility with different identity providers is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal authentication framework that handles multiple IDPs through a single implementation. The system detects which IDP the user is logging in with and automatically applies the appropriate verification protocol, allowing the website to support many different identity providers without requiring separate coding paths for each one.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter-based configuration to adapt to different IDPs. Instead of structural changes in the code, the system modifies operational parameters (such as verification keys, protocol types, and endpoint URLs) based on which IDP is being used. This allows high adaptability while maintaining a simple, unified system architecture.
3Measurement precision
If separate verification software is implemented for each IDP, then authentication accuracy for each provider is improved, but the device complexity and maintenance burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a central verification service that acts as an intermediary between the website and multiple IDPs. This service maintains the specialized verification logic for each IDP in one centralized location, allowing the website to achieve high authentication accuracy for each provider without implementing and maintaining separate verification software on each website.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a template-based approach where verification configurations for different IDPs are stored as reusable templates. These templates can be copied and configured for multiple IDPs, ensuring consistent and accurate verification across all providers while reducing the complexity of implementing unique verification logic for each one.
4Reliability
If legacy accounts are transitioned to federated accounts, then user security is improved, but the transition process presents implementation challenges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary actions to prepare for the transition from legacy to federated accounts. The system provides tools to pre-configure IDP connections, pre-generate verification keys, and pre-establish authentication mappings before the actual transition occurs. This reduces the complexity and risk of the transition process while improving security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a dynamic transition system that can adapt to different migration scenarios. The system allows administrators to gradually transition accounts, selectively enable federated authentication for specific user groups, and roll back changes if needed. This dynamic approach makes the transition process more manageable and less daunting while still achieving improved security.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for enabling, on any website, a unified user login that supports login through multiple known identity providers and, if necessary, the website's legacy login are disclosed. In one example, the system comprises a login receiver module, an identity provider determination module, a legacy account module, a federated account module and a login module. The login receiver module receives a login request associated with a user identifier. The identity provider determination module determines whether the login request is associated with a known identity provider. The legacy account module performs legacy account creation and/or legacy login verification when the address is not associated with any known identity provider. Otherwise, the federated account module performs federated account creation and/or federated login verification. The login module logs the user into the account responsive to one or more of verification and account creation.