Wireless Authentication Factor for Mobile Device Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing password-based protection mechanisms for electronic devices are weak and vulnerable to hacking, while two-factor authentication methods are cumbersome and expensive, requiring additional hardware tokens that may not be effectively utilized.
Innovation Solution
A mobile device authentication scheme that combines a password entry with the detection of a wireless signal from a pre-associated external device, providing a user-possession factor, and optionally biometric information, to enhance security without the need for additional hardware tokens.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If simple password protection is used, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two authentication factors into a unified system: something the user knows (password) and something the user possesses (wireless device). This merging provides both the simplicity of password entry and the enhanced security of possession-based verification, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless device serves multiple functions: it acts as both a communication device and an authentication token. By making the authentication factor universal across devices the user already owns, the system avoids adding dedicated hardware while maintaining strong security, thus improving both ease of operation and reliability.
2Reliability
If two-factor authentication with hardware tokens is used, then reliability is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring dedicated hardware tokens, the patent uses universal wireless devices that users already possess and carry. This eliminates the need for separate authentication hardware, reducing device complexity while maintaining the security benefits of possession-based authentication.
Solution Approach 2:
The system leverages the wireless device's existing capabilities and the user's natural behavior of carrying their device. The authentication process uses services and functions already present in the wireless device, eliminating the need for additional specialized hardware or complex configuration.
3Reliability
If hardware tokens are issued to each user, then reliability is improved, but loss of substance is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need to issue dedicated authentication tokens by using wireless devices that users already own and carry. This universal approach removes the cost and logistical burden of manufacturing, distributing, and managing physical security tokens while maintaining strong authentication security.
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile device is described that stores and renders content. Access to certain content is predicated at least upon receiving a particular wireless signal from an external or separate device that has previously been associated with the mobile device or with content stored on the mobile device.