MOBILE DEVICE SECURITY SYSTEMS AND METHODS

• US 20180012001A1
• Filed: 07/07/2017
• Published: 01/11/2018
• Est. Priority Date: 07/07/2016
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Redfrog LLC
• Original Assignee: Redfrog LLC
• Inventors: Wallus, William, Dols, Brandon
• Application Number:
  US15/644,324
• Publication Number:
  US 20180012001A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 21/31 User authentication
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 21/88 Detecting or preventing theft or loss
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 8/61 Installation

Abstract

A system and method for securing a mobile device may include providing software for installation on the mobile device where the software is configured for disabling at least some functionality of the device, storing a mobile device identifier identifying the mobile device, and determining an unlock code for unlocking the mobile device, receiving a notification of sale of the mobile device, and providing the unlock code. Systems and methods for receiving and verifying the unlock code are also described.

Claims

1. A method for securing a mobile device, comprising:

providing software for installation on the mobile device, the software being configured for disabling at least some functionality of the device;

storing a mobile device identifier identifying the mobile device;

determining an unlock code for unlocking the mobile device;

receiving a notification of sale of the mobile device; and

providing the unlock code.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein determining the unlock code incorporates an identifier for the mobile device.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the identifier is an IMEI number.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein providing the unlock code comprises providing the unlock code to a user of the mobile device.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein providing the unlock code comprises sending a text message.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving a notification of sale of the mobile device comprises receiving notification from a POS.

7. The method of claim 6, further comprising storing information from the notification in a database.

8. A method for executing preloaded software by a processor at the time of startup of a mobile device, the method comprising:

disabling an input function

disabling a storage function;

disabling a communication function;

preventing modification to the preloaded software;

selectively enabling internal software services;

read unique device identification information;

store an unlock code through a secure algorithm;

prevent normal startup of the operating system on the mobile device; and

prepare the device for user interaction.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein disabling an input function comprises disabling a USB port during start up.

10. The method of claim 8, wherein disabling a storage function comprises disabling sim card during start up.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein disabling a storage function comprises disabling an internal and/or external storage device during start up.

12. A system for implementing secure merchandising of mobile products, the method comprising:

a database storing a plurality of mobile product identifiers for respective mobile products;

a database of verification information relating to the mobile products and status to;

report status of sale of mobile device;

report status of shipping confirmation;

report status of disposition;

report status of display;

a processor configured for unlocking the mobile products by;

determining an unlock code for unlocking the mobile device;

providing the unlock code;

receiving the unlock code; and

verifying the unlock code.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein determining the unlock code incorporates an identifier for the mobile device.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the identifier is an IMEI number.

15. The method of claim 12, wherein providing the unlock code comprises providing the unlock code to a user of the mobile device.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein providing the unlock code comprises sending a text message.

17. A secure mobile device, comprising:

a mobile device readable storage medium configured for storing information;

a processor configured for accessing the mobile device readable storage medium and performing processes based on the information;

a bootloader stored on the mobile device readable storage medium, operable by the processor, and configured to control startup operations;

an operating system stored on the mobile device readable storage medium and operable by the processor;

a lockdown module stored on the mobile device readable storage medium, operable by the processor, and configured to restrict operation of the mobile device unless the device is verified as available for use, the lockdown module configured to;

run at the time of startup of the mobile device and in conjunction with the operating system;

operate in conjunction with a bootloader module of the mobile device;

disable input functions to limit modification of the mobile device readable storage medium during startup;

facilitate unlocking of the mobile device upon successful authentication; and

provide user instructions and notifications.

18. The device of claim 17, wherein the lockdown module operates apart from the operating system.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein the lockdown module limits the functionality of the operating system.

20. The system of claim 17, wherein unlocking of the mobile device comprises receiving and verifying an unlock code.