Wireless Port Monitoring for Unauthorized IoT Access Blocking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing communication systems lack a method to monitor unauthorized access to idle ports in devices connected to a network, particularly in IoT devices, which are often difficult to modify due to cost and availability constraints.

Innovation Solution

A communication system with an information processing apparatus that includes a wireless device and a control unit, which monitors unauthorized access by detecting a continuous communication-impossible state with a wireless dongle attached to the device's port, and blocks communications if an abnormality is detected for an extended period.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If security measures are incorporated into existing devices by replacing them, then security is improved, but cost and availability worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidcost and availability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an information processing apparatus as an intermediary device connected between the existing device and the network. This mediator performs security functions including monitoring communication behavior, detecting attacks or virus infections, and blocking unauthorized communications without requiring modification or replacement of the existing device itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If conventional information processing apparatus monitors network communication, then network security is improved, but unauthorized access to idle ports remains undetected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork securityVSAvoidunauthorized access to idle ports
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The information processing apparatus is designed to perform multiple functions: it monitors network communication behavior for attack detection, simultaneously monitors idle ports for unauthorized access attempts, and provides blocking capabilities for both network-based and port-based threats through a single integrated system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4657291A1Communication system, information processing apparatus, and monitoring method
Publication Date: 2025.12.03 KK TOSHIBA
  • EP4657291A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4657291A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4657291A1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A communication system, an information processing apparatus and a monitoring method capable of monitoring unauthorized access to a port in a to-be-protected device are provided. According to an embodiment, a communication system includes an information processing apparatus and a wireless device. The wireless device includes a contact part and a first wireless communication unit. The information processing apparatus includes a first communication interface, a second communication interface, a second wireless communication unit, and a control unit. The contact part is attached to a port of a to-be-protected device. The first wireless communication unit wirelessly communicates with the information processing apparatus with the contact part being attached to the port of the to-be-protected device. The first communication interface is connected to the to-be-protected device. The second communication interface is connected to a network. The second wireless communication unit wirelessly communicates with the wireless device. The control unit blocks communications of the to-be-protected device via the network in response to a communication-impossible state with the wireless device continuing for an abnormality detection period or longer.