Method and system for embedding security in a mobile communications device

• US 20130034230A1
• Filed: 08/05/2011
• Published: 02/07/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 08/05/2011
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Harris Corporation (L3Harris Technologies, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Harris Corporation (L3Harris Technologies, Inc.)
• Inventors: Takahashi, Richard J.
• Granted Patent: US 11,392,708 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 380/270
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 21/606 by securing the transmission between two devices or processes
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/0428 wherein the data content is protected, e.g. by encrypting or encapsulating the payload
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/67 by electronic means
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/675 the user being required to insert a coded card, e.g. a smart card carrying an integrated circuit chip
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/72409 by interfacing with external accessories hands-free H04M1/60
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 12/02 Protecting privacy or anonymity, e.g. protecting personally identifiable information [PII]
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 12/033 of the user plane, e.g. user's traffic

Abstract

Methods and systems are provided that provide a portable, cryptographic hardware-software device allowing balancing of the needed heightened security while maintaining the modified communication device'"'"'s original features and value. The system comprises a single chip comprising a self-contained security boundary and cryptographic processing, and is enabled to quickly and easily connect to and modify an existing, commercial, off the shelf mobile communication device. The systems may be enabled to modify the existing device by being contained in hardware, for example the battery of a smart phone. Then, the system may be connected to the existing device'"'"'s interface, for example via a “micro-USB” or other suitable connection, and subsequently provide cryptographic functionality to the existing device.

Claims

1. A mobile communication device, comprising:

the mobile communication device;

a battery for the mobile communication device configured to attach to the cryptographic chip; and

a cryptographic chip attachable to the battery, and configured to connect to the mobile communication device to provide encrypted communication between the mobile communication device and another communication device.

2. The mobile communication device of claim 1, wherein the cryptographic chip comprises a processor configured to encrypt communication.

3. The mobile communication device of claim 1, wherein the cryptographic chip further comprises:

a mini-USB connector configured to connect to the mobile communication device; and

the mobile communication device comprises a mini-USB connector configured to connect to the cryptographic chip.

4. The mobile communication device of claim 3, wherein the mini-USB connector is configured to connect to the mobile communication device using a flex print cable with landing pads.

5. The mobile communication device of claim 1, wherein the cryptographic chip is configured to be activated by the mobile communication device.

6. The mobile communication device of claim 1, wherein the mobile communication device is one of (1) a cell phone, (2) a smart phone, (3) a PDA, and (4) a walkie-talkie radio.

7. The mobile communication device of claim 1, wherein the cryptographic chip provides encrypted one of (1) encrypted data communication and (2) encrypted voice communication between the mobile communication device and the other communication device.

9. The mobile communication device of claim 1, wherein the cryptographic chip comprises a processor configured to encrypt communication.

10. The mobile communication device of claim 1, wherein the cryptographic chip further comprises:

a mini-USB connector configured to connect to the mobile communication device; and

the mobile communication device comprises a mini-USB connector configured to connect to the cryptographic chip.

11. The mobile communication device of claim 10, wherein the mini-USB connector is configured to connect to the mobile communication device using a flex print cable with landing pads.

12. The mobile communication device of claim 1, wherein the cryptographic chip is configured to be activated by the mobile communication device.

13. The mobile communication device of claim 1, wherein the mobile communication device is one of (1) a cell phone, (2) a smart phone, (3) a PDA, and (4) a walkie-talkie radio.

14. The mobile communication device of claim 1, wherein the cryptographic chip provides encrypted one of (1) encrypted data communication and (2) encrypted voice communication between the mobile communication device and the other communication device.

8. A mobile communication device, comprising:

the mobile communication device; and

a cryptographic chip attachable to the mobile communication device, and configured to connect to the mobile communication device to provide encrypted communication between the mobile communication device and another communication device.

15. A method in a mobile communication device, comprising:

connecting, to a mobile communication device, a cryptographic chip attached to the battery of the mobile communication device;

connecting a phone call from with a second communication device;

activating the cryptographic chip in response to the connected phone call;

encrypting data to be transferred between the mobile communication device and the second communication device; and

transmitting encrypted data between the mobile communication device and the second communication device.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising connecting the cryptographic chip to the mobile device via a mini-USB connection.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the mobile communication device is one of:

(1) a cell phone, (2) a smart phone, (3) a tablet, (4) PDA, and (5) a walkie-talkie radio.

18. The method of claim 15, further comprising transmitting encrypted voice date between the mobile communication device and the second communication device.