Authentication system based on periodic challenge/response protocol

A method to control an operating state of a node, the method comprising:

• authenticating a user from loading alphanumeric data into a token and determining whether the alphanumeric data matches pre-stored alphanumeric data;
• exchanging at least a first and second messages between the token and the node, the node being placed in an operational state if the second message correctly responds to the first message;
• and
• periodically determining whether the token is within a predetermined distance from the node.

A wireless authentication system comprising:

• a computer including a peripheral device;
• a security device having a wireless transceiver, the security device, including a package containing both (i) a processing unit and (ii) a memory unit coupled to the processing unit, to generate a plurality of messages to be transmitted through the wireless transceiver, each of the plurality of messages is separately transmitted after a prescribed time interval has elapsed;
• and
• a token to establish a wireless communication link with the security device, to operate in combination with the security device to respond to the plurality of messages in order to place the computer in an operational state using the plurality of messages when the token is within a predetermined distance from the computer, to place the computer in a non-operational state by disabling the peripheral device, and to authenticate a user of the token by periodically notifying the user to input information therein.

A wireless authentication system comprising:

• a computer including
• a transmitter,
• a receiver, and
• a security device including a processing unit and a memory unit;
• and
• a token in bi-directional communications with the transmitter and receiver of the computer, the token operating in combination with the security device to place the computer in an operational state when the token is determined to be within a predetermined distance from the computer, and to place the computer in a non-operational state when the token is determined to be more than the predetermined distance from the computer, the token further authenticating its user by comparing input data received with a prestored master after a period of time has elapsed.

A method to control an operating state of a node, the method comprising:

• activating a token;
• placing a node into either (i) an operational state if the token is determined to be within a predetermined distance from the node, or (ii) an non-operational state when the token is determined to be located more than the predetermined distance from the node;
• and
• re-authenticating the user of the token by periodically requiring the user to input predetermined data into the token.

A method to control an operating state of a node, the method comprising:

• activating a token upon authentication of the user by loading alphanumeric data into the token and determining that the alphanumeric data matches pre-stored alphanumeric data;
• determining a state of the node by exchanging at least a first message and a second message between the token and the node, the node being placed in an operational state if the second message correctly responds to the first message;
• and
• periodically authenticating that the user is in possession of the token.

A token comprising:

• an interface to support wireless communications with a node;
• a memory element;
• and
• a processor coupled to the memory element and the interface, the processor to authenticate a user of the token by periodically notifying the user to input information therein and to exchange messages with the node in order to place the node in an non-operational state when the token is determined to be greater than a predetermined distance away from the node.