Mobile device security using multiple profiles

• US 9,075,967 B2
• Filed: 12/31/2012
• Issued: 07/07/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 12/31/2012
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Marshall, Aaron
• Original Assignee: Marshall, Aaron
• Inventors: Marshall, Aaron
• Primary Examiner(s): ZAIDI, SYED A
• Application Number:
  US13/731,572
• Publication Number:
  US 20140189850A1
• Time in Patent Office: 918 Days
• Field of Search: 726/17, 726/2, 726/7, 726/19
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 21/30 Authentication, i.e. establishing the identity or authorisation of security principals
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 21/316 by observing the pattern of computer usage, e.g. typical user behaviour
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 21/32 using biometric data, e.g. fingerprints, iris scans or voiceprints
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 21/36 by graphic or iconic representation
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/0861 using biometrical features, e.g. fingerprint, retina-scan cryptographic mechanisms or cryptographic arrangements for entity authentication using biological data H04L9/3231
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 12/06 Authentication

Abstract

A mobile electronic device operates in accordance with at least two different application configurations. The device starts by operating in accordance with the first configuration after it receives a first access credential. The first configuration includes a hidden security application. When the device executes the hidden security application, a user may enter a second access credential via the second security application. When the device receives the second access credential, it then switches to a second application configuration.

Claims

1. A method of securing access to a mobile electronic device, the method comprising:

storing, in a memory of a mobile electronic device, a first user profile so that the first user profile requires a first access credential;

associating, by a processor of the mobile electronic device, the first user profile with a first device feature configuration;

storing, in the memory of the mobile electronic device, a second user profile so that the second user profile is associated with a second access credential that differs from the first access credential;

associating, by the processor, the second user profile with second device feature configuration that is different from the first device feature configuration;

by the processor, causing the device to display a first security interface;

by the processor, receiving the first access credential;

by the processor, in response to receiving the first access credential via the first security interface, outputting a first application interface corresponding to the first device configuration, the first application interface including a first set of icons operative to initiate a plurality of mobile device applications, wherein one of the applications is a hidden security application, and wherein the hidden security application comprises a clock application that comprises an alarm function;

receiving, by the processor, a command to execute the hidden security application;

executing, by the processor, the hidden security application so that the device executes a second security interface, wherein the second security interface comprises an alarm setting interface;

by the processor, receiving the second access credential, wherein receiving the second access credential comprises receiving, via the alarm setting interface, an expected sequence of alarm times; and

by the processor, in response to receiving the second access credential via the second security interface, outputting a second application interface corresponding to the second device configuration, the second application interface including a second set of icons operative to initiate a plurality of mobile device applications.

2. A method of securing access to a mobile electronic device, the method comprising:

storing, in a memory of a mobile electronic device, a first user profile so that the first user profile requires a first access credential;

associating, by a processor of the mobile electronic device, the first user profile with a first device feature configuration;

storing, in the memory of the mobile electronic device, a second user profile so that the second user profile is associated with a second access credential that differs from the first access credential;

associating, by the processor, the second user profile with second device feature configuration that is different from the first device feature configuration;

by the processor, causing the device to display a first security interface;

by the processor, receiving the first access credential;

by the processor, in response to receiving the first access credential via the first security interface, outputting a first application interface corresponding to the first device configuration, the first application interface including a first set of icons operative to initiate a plurality of mobile device applications, wherein one of the applications is a hidden security application, and wherein the hidden security application comprises a clock application that comprises a stop watch function;

receiving, by the processor, a command to execute the hidden security application;

executing, by the processor, the hidden security application so that the device executes a second security interface, wherein the second security interface comprises a stop/start interface;

by the processor, receiving the second access credential, wherein receiving the second access credential comprises receiving, via the stop/start interface, an expected sequence of clock stop commands; and

by the processor, in response to receiving the second access credential via the second security interface, outputting a second application interface corresponding to the second device configuration, the second application interface including a second set of icons operative to initiate a plurality of mobile device applications.

3. A method of securing access to a mobile electronic device, the method comprising:

storing, in a memory of a mobile electronic device, a first user profile so that the first user profile requires a first access credential;

associating, by a processor of the mobile electronic device, the first user profile with a first device feature configuration;

storing, in the memory of the mobile electronic device, a second user profile so that the second user profile is associated with a second access credential that differs from the first access credential;

associating, by the processor, the second user profile with second device feature configuration that is different from the first device feature configuration;

by the processor, causing the device to display a first security interface;

by the processor, receiving the first access credential;

by the processor, in response to receiving the first access credential via the first security interface, outputting a first application interface corresponding to the first device configuration, the first application interface including a first set of icons operative to initiate a plurality of mobile device applications, wherein one of the applications is a hidden security application;

receiving, by the processor, a command to execute the hidden security application;

executing, by the processor, the hidden security application so that the device executes a second security interface;

by the processor, receiving the second access credential; and

by the processor, in response to receiving the second access credential via the second security interface, outputting a second application interface corresponding to the second device configuration, the second application interface including a second set of icons operative to initiate a plurality of mobile device applications,

wherein;

the hidden security application comprises a financial investments application;

the second security interface comprises a financial investments interface configured to display identifying information for a plurality of tradeable securities; and

the second access credential comprises receiving, via the financial investments interface, a selection of a predetermined sequence of securities.