Multiple security level mobile telecommunications device system and method

• US 20050164675A1
• Filed: 03/27/2002
• Published: 07/28/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 03/27/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: RPX Corporation
• Original Assignee: Nokia Corporation
• Inventors: Tuulos, Martti, Varanki, Karl-Matti
• Granted Patent: US 7,835,721 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 455/410
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/105 Multiple levels of security
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/107 wherein the security policies are location-dependent, e.g. entities privileges depend on current location or allowing specific operations only from locally connected terminals
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 12/08 Access security
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 12/30 Security of mobile devices; Security of mobile applications
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 12/63 Location-dependent; Proximity-dependent

Abstract

A method and apparatus for implementing at least first and second security levels in a mobile telecommunications device for use within a telecommunications network. The location of the mobile device is determined, and one of the first and second security levels is selected on the basis of that location. A security procedure is implemented within the mobile device on the basis of the selected security level.

Claims

1-32. -32. (canceled)

33. A method of implementing at least first and second security levels in a mobile telecommunications device for use within a telecommunications network, the method including the step of:

determining a location of the mobile device;

receiving, in the mobile device, input from a user, the input being indicative of a geographical range;

selecting one of the first and second security levels on the basis of the location and the geographical range; and

implementing a security procedure within the mobile device on the basis of the selected security level.

34. A method according to claim 33, wherein the location is defined as an area.

35. A method according to claim 33 wherein the geographical range is defined in relation to the location.

36. A method according to claim 35, wherein the location of the mobile device is determined by the telecommunications network.

37. A method according to claim 36, wherein the location is used to generate a security level instruction, the security level instruction being sent to the mobile device for implementation.

38. A method according to claim 33, wherein the location is defined in terms of a cell defined in the telecommunications network.

39. A method according to claim 33, wherein the location is defined in terms of proximity to one or more base stations within the telecommunications network.

40. A method according to claim 33, wherein the location is determined by the mobile device.

41. A method according to claim 40, wherein the step of determining the location of the mobile device includes the steps of:

receiving a signal at the mobile device;

ascertaining whether the signal is indicative of the device being within a relatively safe area; and

if the device is within a relatively safe are, implementing the relatively lower of the security levels within the mobile device.

42. A method according to claim 41, wherein the signal is a relatively short-range signal compared to call or data signals transmitted and received between the mobile device and the network.

43. A method according to claim 41, wherein the signal includes unique data identifying a transmitter from which it is transmitted, thereby enabling the mobile device to ascertain whether it is in a location defined by proximity to the transmitter.

44. A method according to claim 40, wherein the location is determined by reference to one or more external location providing signals.

45. A method according to claim 44, wherein the external location providing signals are GPS signals, the mobile device being configured to ascertain its location based on the GPS signals.

46. A method according to claim 33, wherein the geographical range is defined in terms of a radius of operation with respect to the location.

47. A method according to claim 33, wherein the first security level is higher than the second security level.

48. A method according to claim 47, wherein the first security level requires more frequent input of identification or security data by a user than the second security level, to prevent the mobile device entering a higher security mode.

49. A mobile telecommunications device for use within a telecommunications network, the mobile device having at least first and second security levels and being configured to:

determine its location;

receive input from a user, the input being indicative of a geographical range;

select one of the first and second security levels on the basis of the location and the geographical range; and

implement a security procedure on the basis of the selected security level.

50. A mobile telecommunications device according to claim 49, wherein the location is defined as an area.

51. A mobile telecommunications device according to claim 49, wherein the location of the mobile device is determined by the telecommunications network.

52. A mobile telecommunications device according to claim 51, wherein the location is used to generate a security level instruction, the security level instruction being sent to the mobile device for implementation.

53. A mobile telecommunications device according to claim 49, wherein the location is defined in terms of a cell defined in the telecommunications network.

54. A mobile telecommunications device according to claim 49, wherein the location is defined in terms of proximity to one or more base stations within the telecommunications network.

55. A mobile telecommunications device according to claim 49, wherein the location is determined by the mobile device.

56. A mobile telecommunications device according to claim 55, wherein the step of determining the location of the mobile device includes the steps of:

receiving a signal at the mobile device;

ascertaining whether the signal is indicative of the device being within a relatively safe area; and

if the device is within a relatively safe are, implementing the relatively lower of the security levels within the mobile device.

57. A mobile telecommunications device according to claim 56, wherein the signal is a relatively short-range signal compared to call or data signals transmitted and received between the mobile device and the network.

58. A mobile telecommunications device according to claim 56, wherein the signal includes unique data identifying a transmitter from which it is transmitted, thereby enabling the mobile device to ascertain whether it is in a location defined by proximity to the transmitter.

59. A mobile telecommunications device according to claim 55, wherein the location is determined by reference to one or more external location providing signals.

60. A mobile telecommunications device according to claim 59, wherein the external location providing signals are GPS signals, the mobile device being configured to ascertain its location based on the GPS signals.

61. A mobile telecommunications device according to claim 49, wherein the geographical range is defined in terms of a radius of operation with respect to the location.

62. A mobile telecommunications device according to claim 49, wherein the first security level is higher than the second security level.

63. A mobile telecommunications device according to claim 62, wherein the first security level requires more frequent input of identification or security data by a user than the second security level, to prevent the mobile device entering a third security mode.

64. A system for implementing at least first and second security levels in a mobile telecommunications device for use within a telecommunications network, the system including:

location determination means for ascertaining a location of the mobile device;

means for selecting one of the first and second security levels on the basis of the location; and

means disposed within the mobile device for implementing a security procedure within the mobile device on the basis of the selected security level.