Workflow-Authenticating Computing Device for Secure Variable Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing variable data component (VDC) technologies lack user-specific and device-specific customization in workflows, leading to generic workflow execution and vulnerabilities in authentication processes, which can be exploited by data-mining bots for counterfeit activities.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a computing device authentication process that acquires device-specific information to enable customizable, role-based workflows by authenticating users and devices, ensuring only authorized users can access specific workflow stages, thereby enhancing security and preventing data-mining.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If generic workflow execution is used with variable data components, then ease of operation is improved, but security and reliability deteriorate due to lack of user-specific and device-specific customization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by transitioning from generic workflow execution to user-specific and device-specific customized workflows. Each user and device receives tailored workflow experiences based on their unique authentication credentials, rather than applying a uniform approach to all users. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining ease of operation through automated customization while improving security through targeted authentication requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making workflows adaptive and configurable based on authentication outcomes. The system dynamically adjusts workflow parameters, access levels, and stages according to the specific user and device being authenticated. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain operational simplicity while enhancing security through context-aware authentication processes.
2Ease of operation
If authentication processes are simplified for ease of use, then ease of operation is improved, but security deteriorates due to vulnerabilities exploitable by data-mining bots
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by implementing multi-factor authentication that combines multiple verification parameters (device identifiers, user credentials, biometric data) rather than relying on a single authentication parameter. This multi-parameter approach maintains ease of operation through automated multi-factor verification while significantly improving security against data-mining attacks by requiring multiple independent authentication factors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary elements in the authentication process, including secure intermediaries that verify device and user credentials before granting workflow access. These intermediaries act as additional security layers that do not significantly increase user burden while effectively preventing data-mining bot exploitation by validating authentication credentials through trusted intermediary systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If device-specific information is collected for customizable workflows, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional authentication requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by collecting and verifying device-specific information and user credentials during the initial authentication phase before workflow execution begins. This preliminary collection of authentication data enables extensive workflow customization and adaptability without adding complexity during the actual workflow execution, as the authentication framework is established upfront rather than being added dynamically during operations.
Data Source
AI summary
In one example in accordance with the present disclosure, a method is described. According to the method, a computing device acquires data related to a variable data component. The computing device then authenticates at least one of the computing device and the proper user of the computing device. Upon authentication of the computing device and/or proper user of the computing device, a downstream workflow is authorized. The downstream workflow is defined by the data associated with the variable data component and enabled via the authentication of the computing device and/or proper user of the computing device.