Wireless Smart Card Reader Connection Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Smart card readers can be compromised by attackers who steal them and establish unauthorized wireless connections, allowing access to the security information stored on the smart card without the rightful user's knowledge, as existing security measures do not effectively limit or monitor connections.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system where the smart card reader can only maintain one wireless connection at a time, and using a mobile device to monitor and control connections, with an optional authorization password requirement for subsequent connections, to prevent unauthorized access and notify the user of new connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the smart card reader allows multiple wireless connections simultaneously, then connectivity versatility is improved, but security is worsened due to unauthorized access risks
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts connection management based on security context. The smart card reader transitions between allowing multiple connections and restricting to single connection based on authorization status, user presence, and security policies. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction by making connectivity versatile when secure and restrictive when security risks exist
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the smart card reader monitors connection attempts, authorization status, and user actions. Based on this feedback, the system automatically adjusts connection permissions - allowing multiple connections when authorized and secure, but restricting to single connection when security concerns arise, thus resolving the versatility-security tradeoff
2Reliability
If the smart card reader restricts to one wireless connection at a time, then security is improved, but connectivity versatility is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The connection restriction policy is not static but dynamic. The system allows single connection mode for security-critical operations while permitting multiple connections during authorized multi-device scenarios. This dynamic switching resolves the contradiction by applying restriction only when necessary for security
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the connection parameter (max concurrent connections) based on security context, authorization level, and operational mode. When security requirements are high, the parameter is set to 1; when versatility is needed and security is ensured through authorization, the parameter increases. This parameter adjustment resolves the security-versus-versatility contradiction
3Reliability
If the system requires authorization password for connections, then security is improved, but ease of operation is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The authorization password is established in advance during device pairing or setup phase. Once preliminarily authorized, the connection process becomes seamless without requiring repeated password entry. This preliminary authorization action resolves the contradiction by providing security upfront while maintaining ease of operation during actual use
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-verification of authorization status without requiring user intervention for each connection. The authorization mechanism works autonomously to verify credentials and manage connection permissions, providing security automatically while maintaining ease of operation for legitimate users
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a wireless-enabled smart card reader able to be connected concurrently to at least two devices and a mobile device able to be connected wirelessly to the smart card reader and to control connections of the smart card reader.