Method for monitoring the unauthorized use of a device
First Claim
1. A method comprising:
- providing, by a mobile device, a notification describing how to return the mobile device to an authorized user;
detecting, by the mobile device, that a security compromise event has occurred;
determining whether the function of the device should be altered in response to said security compromise event; and
wherein detecting, by the mobile device, that a security compromise event has occurred further comprises;
associating the mobile device with a companion device;
determining that the mobile device has been disassociated from the companion device by;
measuring a plurality of power levels of a wireless signal transmitted by the companion device;
computing an average power level from the plurality of measured power levels;
measuring a current power level of a wireless signal transmitted by the companion device; and
determining that the measured current power level has varied from the average power level by a predetermined amount; and
formatting a message for transmission to a security authority, the message comprising information regarding the disassociation of the mobile device with the companion device;
wherein the message is formatted by the companion device;
wherein the message is formatted by the companion device.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The invention is directed to systems and methods for detecting the loss, theft or unauthorized use of a device and/or altering the functionality of the device in response. In one embodiment, a device monitors its use, its local environment, and/or its operating context to determine that the device is no longer within the control of an authorized user. The device may receive communications or generate an internal signal altering its functionality, such as instructing the device to enter a restricted use mode, a surveillance mode, to provide instructions to return the device and/or to prevent unauthorized use or unauthorized access to data. Additional embodiments also address methods and systems for gathering forensic data regarding an unauthorized user to assist in locating the unauthorized user and/or the device.
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Citations
6 Claims
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1. A method comprising:
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providing, by a mobile device, a notification describing how to return the mobile device to an authorized user; detecting, by the mobile device, that a security compromise event has occurred; determining whether the function of the device should be altered in response to said security compromise event; and wherein detecting, by the mobile device, that a security compromise event has occurred further comprises; associating the mobile device with a companion device; determining that the mobile device has been disassociated from the companion device by; measuring a plurality of power levels of a wireless signal transmitted by the companion device; computing an average power level from the plurality of measured power levels; measuring a current power level of a wireless signal transmitted by the companion device; and determining that the measured current power level has varied from the average power level by a predetermined amount; and formatting a message for transmission to a security authority, the message comprising information regarding the disassociation of the mobile device with the companion device;
wherein the message is formatted by the companion device;wherein the message is formatted by the companion device. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4)
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5. A method comprising:
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providing, by a mobile device, a notification describing how to return the mobile device to an authorized user; detecting, by the mobile device, that a security compromise event has occurred; determining whether the function of the device should be altered in response to said security compromise event; and wherein detecting, by the mobile device, that a security compromise event has occurred further comprises; associating the mobile device with a companion device; determining that the mobile device has been disassociated from the companion device by; measuring a plurality of power levels of a wireless signal transmitted by the companion device; computing an average power level from the plurality of measured power levels; measuring a plurality of current power levels of a wireless signal transmitted by the companion device; and determining that for a predetermined number of times within a predetermined time period, one of the plurality of current power levels has varied from the average power level by a predetermined amount; and formatting a message for transmission to a security authority, the message comprising information regarding the disassociation of the mobile device with the companion device; wherein the message is formatted by the companion device. - View Dependent Claims (6)
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Specification