In-band identity verification and man-in-the-middle defense

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-9716714-B1
Application number	US-201615381052-A
Country	US
Kind code	B1
Filing date	Dec 15, 2016
Priority date	Jun 27, 2014
Publication date	Jul 25, 2017
Grant date	Jul 25, 2017

Abstract

A variety of techniques for performing identity verification are disclosed. As one example, a verification request is received from a remote user. The verification request pertains to a cryptographic key. In response to receiving a confirmation from a local user of the local device, a verification process is initiated. A result of the verification process is transmitted to the remote user. As a second example, a verification request can be received at the local device, from a local user of the device. A verification process with respect to the local user is initiated, and a result of the verification process is transmitted to a remote user that is different from the local user.

First claim

What is claimed is:

1. A method, comprising:
receiving, at a local device, a verification request from a remote user in conjunction with a contact made by the remote user with a local user, wherein the verification request includes a request for a representation of a cryptographic hash value of a cryptographic key of the local user;
in response to a confirmation received from the local user of the local device, initiating a verification process, wherein the verification process includes capturing audiovisual content by the local device and the audiovisual content includes the representation of the cryptographic hash value; and
transmitting a result of the verification process to the remote user.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the verification request comprises a fingerprint verification.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein the verification process includes displaying a script to the is local user.

4. The method of claim 3 wherein the script includes a dynamic element.

5. The method of claim 4 wherein the dynamic element includes at least one of a date and time.

6. The method of claim 4 wherein the dynamic element includes a representation of a fingerprint.

7. The method of claim 6 wherein the fingerprint corresponds to a public key associated with the local user.

8. The method of claim 1 wherein the result, when viewed by the remote user, includes an audiovisual component and an overlay component.

9. The method of claim 8 wherein the overlay component includes a representation of a fingerprint.

10. The method of claim 8 wherein the overlay component is provided by a device used by the remote user to view the result.

11. The method of claim 1 wherein the verification request is received from the remote user in conjunction with a first contact made by the remote user with the local user.

12. A method, comprising:
receiving at a local device, in conjunction with a contact made by a remote user with a local user, content purporting to establish an identity of the remote user at a remove device, wherein the content includes an audiovisual component that includes a representation of a cryptographic hash value of a cryptographic key of the remote user;
displaying, to the local user, the received content; and
recording an authentication verdict provided by the local user in conjunction with reviewing the received response, wherein an indication of the verdict is provided to the remote user in a messaging interface.

13. The method of claim 12 wherein displaying the received response includes displaying an overlay component.

14. The method of claim 13 wherein the overlay component includes a representation of a fingerprint.

15. The method of claim 14 wherein the fingerprint is associated with the remote user.

16. The method of claim 12 wherein the system is configured to transmit the verdict to a remote server.

17. A non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising instructions that when, executed by at least one hardware processor, perform the steps of, comprising:
receiving, at a local device, a verification request from a remote user in conjunction with a contact made by the remote user with a local user, wherein the verification request includes a request for a representation of a cryptographic hash value of a cryptographic key of the local user;
in response to a confirmation received from the local user of the local device, initiating a verification process, wherein the verification process includes capturing audiovisual content by the local device and the audiovisual content includes the representation of the cryptographic hash value; and
transmitting a result of the verification process to the remote user.

18. A non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising instructions that when, executed by at least one hardware processor, perform the steps of, comprising:
receiving at a local device, in conjunction with a contact made by a remote user with a local user, content purporting to establish an identity of the remote user at a remove device, wherein the content includes an audiovisual component that includes a representation of a cryptographic hash value of a cryptographic key of the remote user;
displaying, to the local user, the received content; and
recording an authentication verdict provided by the local user in conjunction with reviewing the received response, wherein an indication of the verdict is provided to the remote user in a messaging interface.

Assignees

• Wickr Inc

Inventors

• Statica Robert
• Howell Christopher A
• Coppa Kara Lynn

Classifications

• G06F21/32 Primary

  using biometric data, e.g. fingerprints, iris scans or voiceprints · CPC title

• H04L63/123

  received data contents, e.g. message integrity · CPC title

• G06F2221/2107

  File encryption · CPC title

• H04L63/062

  for key distribution, e.g. centrally by trusted party (cryptographic mechanisms or cryptographic arrangements for key distribution involving a central third party H04L9/0819) · CPC title

• H04L9/0643

  Hash functions, e.g. MD5, SHA, HMAC or f9 MAC · CPC title