Secure Vehicle Wireless Communication via Proximity and Authentication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems between vehicles and sources, such as aircraft, are vulnerable to unauthorized access and cyber attacks, particularly from hackers who can eavesdrop by forming independent connections without detection.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that utilize a combination of wireless communication devices, information devices, and processors to ensure secure communication by enforcing security parameters such as proximity, identification, and security codes before allowing data transmission, particularly for sensitive data like aircraft control information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If wireless communication is allowed between vehicle and source, then communication functionality is improved, but security vulnerability increases due to potential unauthorized access and eavesdropping

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication functionalityVSAvoidsecurity vulnerability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary security assessments before allowing wireless communication. It evaluates proximity, verifies identification, and checks security codes in advance to establish secure communication conditions, preventing unauthorized access before it can occur

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces security parameters as an intermediary layer between the vehicle and source communication. These parameters act as mediators that must be satisfied for communication to occur, filtering out unauthorized connections while allowing legitimate ones

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If security parameters such as proximity and authentication are enforced, then security against unauthorized access is improved, but communication availability may be reduced due to stricter access criteria

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity against unauthorized accessVSAvoidcommunication availability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts security parameter requirements based on the communication context and risk assessment. Security criteria are not static but adapt to the specific situation, allowing legitimate communications to proceed while maintaining protection against threats

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes security parameter thresholds and requirements based on the assessed risk level and communication needs. By adjusting parameters dynamically rather than using fixed strict criteria, the system maintains both security and communication availability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3021497B1System and method for secure wireless communications between a vehicle and a source

Publication Date: 2020.12.30 THE BOEING CO

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AI summary

A method and system for securely wirelessly communicating between a vehicle and a source are provided. Information regarding a vehicle or a source is provided with at least one information device. Wireless communications of data between a first wireless communication device of the vehicle and a second wireless communication device of the source are only allowed when security parameters are met based on the information provided by the at least one information device.