Using a communication protocol to provide security services

• US 20030070085A1
• Filed: 10/10/2001
• Published: 04/10/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 10/10/2001
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Intel Corporation
• Original Assignee: Intel Corporation
• Inventors: Silvester, Kelan C.
• Application Number:
  US09/974,923
• Publication Number:
  US 20030070085A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 713/200
• CPC Class Codes: G08C 17/02 using a radio link
• CPC Class Codes: G08C 2201/60 Security, fault tolerance
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/08 for authentication of entities cryptographic mechanisms or cryptographic arrangements for entity authentication H04L9/32
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 12/062 Pre-authentication
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 80/00 Wireless network protocols or protocol adaptations to wireless operation

Abstract

A wireless communication protocol may be utilized to authenticate a protected device. If the device is not properly authenticated, the device may be rendered inoperable. Thus, a limited range RF communication between the protected device and a base station may be utilized to automatically determine whether or not the device may be utilized. If the base station is not in-range, operation of the device may be defeated.

Claims

1. A method comprising:

receiving a wireless signal from a portable device;

attempting to authenticate the wireless signal; and

if the signal is not authenticated, disabling an operation of the device.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein receiving a wireless signal from a portable device includes receiving a short-range wireless signal.

3. The method of claim 2 wherein receiving a wireless signal includes receiving a Bluetooth protocol signal.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein preventing operation of the device includes preventing access to a supply of power.

5. The method of claim 1 including receiving a wireless signal at a key fob.

6. The method of claim 1 including receiving a wireless signal at a concealed location.

7. The method of claim 1 including preventing operation of the device if the signal is not authenticated.

8. The method of claim 1 including adversely affecting the performance of the device if the signal is not authenticated.

9. The method of claim 1 including limiting access to storage if the signal is not authenticated.

10. The method of claim 1 including preventing the device from booting if the signal is not authenticated.

11. A wireless system comprising:

a processor;

a wireless transceiver; and

a storage coupled to said processor, said storage storing instructions that enable the processor to authenticate a received wireless signals, and, if the signal is not authenticated, disable an operation of the device.

12. The system of claim 11 wherein said transceiver receives a short-range wireless signal.

13. The system of claim 12 wherein said transceiver is a Bluetooth protocol transceiver.

14. The system of claim 11 wherein said processor prevents operation of the device by preventing access to a supply of power.

15. The system of claim 11 wherein said system is in the form of a key fob.

16. The system of claim 11 wherein said system prevents operation of the device if the signal is not authenticated.

17. The system of claim 11 wherein said system adversely affects the performance of the device if the signal is not authenticated.

18. The system of claim 11 wherein said system limits access to storage if the signal is not authenticated.

19. The system of claim 11 wherein said system prevents the device from booting if the signal is not authenticated.

20. An article comprising a medium storing instructions that enable a processor-based system to:

receive a wireless signal from a portable device;

attempt to authenticate the wireless signal; and

disable an operation of the device if the signal is not authenticated.

21. The article of claim 20 further storing instructions that enable the processor-based system to receive a short-range wireless signal.

22. The article of claim 21 further storing instructions that enable the processor-based system to receive a Bluetooth protocol signal.

23. The article of claim 20 further storing instructions that enable the processor-based system to prevent access to a supply of power.

24. The article of claim 20 further storing instructions that enable the processor-based system to receive a wireless signal at a key fob.

25. The article of claim 20 further storing instructions that enable the processor-based system to receive a wireless signal at a concealed location.

26. An article of claim 20 further storing instructions that enable the processor-based system to prevent operation of the device if the signal is not authenticated.

27. An article of claim 20 further storing instructions that enable the processor-based system to adversely affect the performance of the device if the signal is not authenticated.

28. An article of claim 20 further storing instructions that enable the processor-based system to limit access to storage if the signal is not authenticated.

29. An article of claim 20 further storing instructions that enable the processor-based system to prevent the device from booting if the signal is not authenticated.