Workstation Authentication via Time-Limited User Codes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic security systems, particularly in industrial facilities, face challenges in providing robust, time-limited access controls to prevent unauthorized access to critical control systems, which can lead to security breaches due to the lack of effective time-based multifactor authentication mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system that uses an authentication manager to generate and transmit user codes with a predetermined time limit for accessing control systems, which are verified through a user directory manager and can be terminated upon expiration or inactivity, incorporating both machine and human factors for enhanced security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional authentication mechanisms are used to provide access to control systems, then ease of operation is improved, but security against unauthorized access deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The authentication process is segmented into multiple independent factors: something the user knows (password), something the user has (authentication code), and something the user is (biometric data). Each factor is verified separately by the authentication manager, creating layered security that maintains ease of use while significantly improving security reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
An authentication manager is introduced as an intermediary component between the user and the control system. This mediator verifies all authentication factors, manages session tokens, enforces time limits, and coordinates with the user directory manager, thereby improving security without requiring changes to the control systems themselves.
2Ease of operation
If access control is implemented without time limitations, then ease of operation is improved, but security against prolonged unauthorized access deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The authentication system implements dynamic session management where access tokens are granted for specific time periods and can be revoked at any time. The authentication manager actively monitors session duration and can terminate access dynamically, transforming static access control into a flexible, time-based system that balances operational needs with security requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic re-authentication requirements where access tokens expire after predetermined time intervals. Users must periodically re-authenticate to maintain continuous access, creating regular security checkpoints that prevent prolonged unauthorized access while allowing legitimate users to maintain workflow continuity.
3Reliability
If multiple authentication factors are required, then security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The authentication manager is designed as a universal, multi-functional component that handles password verification, biometric authentication, generation of one-time codes, session management, time limit enforcement, and coordination with the user directory manager. By consolidating all these functions into a single centralized system, the patent achieves high security through multiple authentication factors while avoiding the complexity of implementing separate systems for each function.
Data Source
AI summary
A method may include obtaining, from a user device, a request to access a control system among various control systems. The method may further include determining whether a user associated with the user device is authorized to access the control system based on user information associated with the user in a database. The method may further include generating, in response to determining that the user is authorized, a user code associated with a predetermined time period for accessing the control system. The method may further include transmitting the user code to the user device and the control system. The user code may authenticate a user session between the user device and the control system. The method further includes transmitting, in response to the predetermined time period expiring, a command that terminates the user session between the control system by the user device.