Widget Security Model for Lock Screen Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods fail to effectively limit the functionality of software programs on mobile devices, particularly third-party widgets, from performing sensitive actions when the device is in an unauthenticated state, potentially leading to unauthorized data access or modifications.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a widget analyzer that examines intended operations of widgets and enforces a security model to prevent sensitive actions until the device is authenticated, using mechanisms like pending intents and authentication modules to manage widget functionality on lock screens.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If widgets are allowed to perform sensitive actions on unauthenticated devices, then user convenience and widget functionality are improved, but device security and data protection deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic functionality adjustment where widgets transition between limited and full functionality based on authentication state. The system dynamically enables or disables specific widget operations (read, write, delete) depending on whether the device is locked or unlocked, allowing convenient access to non-sensitive functions while maintaining security for sensitive operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different security restrictions to different widget operations rather than uniformly blocking all widget functions. The system selectively permits read operations on unauthenticated devices while blocking write and delete operations, creating localized quality differences in functionality based on the sensitivity and type of each operation.
2Reliability
If widgets are restricted from performing sensitive actions on unauthenticated devices, then device security is improved, but widget functionality and user convenience deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts widget capabilities based on authentication state, transitioning from a restricted set of operations (read-only) in unauthenticated mode to a full set of operations (read, write, delete) in authenticated mode. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by making the restriction temporary and context-dependent rather than permanent.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary authentication verification before allowing sensitive widget operations. By checking authentication status in advance of each sensitive operation attempt, the system prevents unauthorized actions while still allowing non-sensitive operations to proceed, thus maintaining security without completely blocking widget functionality.
3Reliability
If a security model is implemented to analyze and limit widget operations, then device security is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments widget operations into distinct categories (read, write, delete) and applies different security rules to each category. The security model evaluates each operation type separately against authentication state, rather than treating all widget operations as a single monolithic function, which simplifies the implementation of granular security control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary security evaluation mechanism that sits between the widget and the underlying data/operations. This intermediary layer analyzes incoming widget operations, checks authentication status, and determines whether to permit or block each operation, thereby implementing complex security logic without requiring changes to the core widget or data storage systems.
4Reliability
If widgets are prevented from installing on lock screens when sensitive operations are detected, then device security is improved, but ease of installation and widget versatility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary analysis of widget code during installation to detect sensitive operations. By identifying potentially problematic operations before the widget is installed, the system can apply appropriate restrictions or require user consent, rather than discovering security issues after installation when remediation is more difficult.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the installation parameters or requirements based on the detected widget functionality. Widgets performing sensitive operations may require additional user permission, administrator approval, or restricted installation locations, while non-sensitive widgets can be installed with standard procedures, thus adapting installation ease to security requirements.
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
Systems, methods, routines and/or techniques for limiting the functionality of a software program based on a security model are described. One or more embodiments may include limiting the functionality of a software program (e.g., a widget) based on one or more operations that the widget intends to take. One or more embodiments may include limiting the functionality of a widget that is located on and/or accessible via a lock screen of a mobile device. One or more embodiments may include preventing a widget from causing an application to perform sensitive actions when a system is in an un-authenticated state. One or more embodiments may include preventing a widget from installing and/or displaying on a particular screen of a mobile device (e.g., a lock screen) if the widget includes a function that indicates that a sensitive operation will be taken.