Voicemail Remote Wipe for Mobile Data Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face difficulties in initiating a remote wipe of their mobile devices when lost or stolen, as they may not know the appropriate number to call, and remote wiping through an IT department is often restricted to weekdays, compromising data security, especially for devices not connected to an enterprise server.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that allows users to remotely wipe their mobile devices by dialing a known number, accessing a voicemail system, and selecting a menu option for remote wipe, with optional authentication, enabling access to a voicemail server or enterprise server to send a wipe command, even outside regular working hours.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If users call IT department to initiate remote wipe, then data security is improved, but accessibility is worsened because users may not know the appropriate number to call and IT department is only available during weekdays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a voicemail system as an intermediary between the user and the remote wipe function. When a user calls their own phone number, the call routes to the voicemail system which then provides access to the remote wipe capability through menu options. This intermediary solves the problem by being universally accessible through the telephone network while still enabling the secure data wipe function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables users to perform remote wipe themselves by calling their own phone number and selecting options from the voicemail menu. This self-service approach eliminates the need to contact IT department staff, allowing users to securely wipe their devices at any time without relying on IT availability or remembering specific contact numbers.
2Device complexity
If remote wipe is restricted to IT department hours, then operational control is improved, but responsiveness is worsened because remote wipe cannot be initiated outside weekdays
Solution Approach 1:
The voicemail system serves as an automated intermediary that provides uninterrupted access to the remote wipe function. Unlike the IT department which operates only during specific hours, the voicemail system is available 24/7 through the telephone network, immediately responding to users who need to wipe their lost or stolen devices regardless of the time or day.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary setup during normal operation by establishing the voicemail system as the access point for remote wipe. This preliminary configuration ensures that when a device is lost or stolen, users can immediately initiate a wipe by calling their own number without needing to contact IT, thus eliminating the time loss associated with waiting for IT department availability.
3Reliability
If enterprise server is required for remote wipe, then security control is improved, but compatibility is worsened because devices not connected to enterprise server cannot be wiped
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the voicemail system a universal access point that works for all mobile devices regardless of whether they are connected to an enterprise server or use a device server hosted by a carrier. The voicemail system provides a common platform that enables remote wipe functionality across different device configurations and service providers, making the solution universally applicable.
Solution Approach 2:
The voicemail system acts as an intermediary that bridges the gap between devices with different server configurations. Instead of requiring direct connection to specific enterprise servers, the voicemail system provides a universal interface that can trigger remote wipe commands through the appropriate server infrastructure, whether enterprise or carrier-hosted.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and system for remotely wiping a mobile device, the method receiving, at a telephonic server hosting a telephonic menu, a selection to wipe data and connections from the mobile device; and forwarding a wipe data request to a network server to send a wipe command.