US 8,245,292 B2 · Multi-factor authentication using a smartcard

Abstract

Methods and systems are provided for non-cryptographic capabilities of a token such as a smartcard to be used as an additional authentication factor when multi-factor authentication is required. Smartcards are configured to generate a transaction code each time a transaction is attempted by the smartcard. The transaction code is dynamic, changing with each transaction, and therefore is used as a one-time password. When a user attempts to access a service or application requiring at least two authentication factors, a secure processor is used to read transaction code from the smartcard. The secure processor establishes a secure communication with the remote computer hosting the service or application. The transaction code can then be encrypted prior to transmission over the public Internet, providing an additional layer of security.

Claims21

Dependent claims

A method for performing multi-factor authentication in a processor using a non-cryptographic capability of a smartcard as an authentication factor, comprising:

(a) requesting access to a device;
(b) receiving at least one request for authentication using at least two authentication factors;
(c) receiving authentication data associated with a first authentication factor;
(d) receiving authentication data associated with a second authentication factor from a smartcard, wherein step (d) includes:
(i) establishing communication between the processor and the smartcard,
(ii) simulating a financial payment transaction request with the smartcard to cause the smartcard to generate a transaction code, wherein the simulated financial payment transaction request includes a monetary transaction amount of zero, and
(iii) receiving the transaction code from the smartcard, wherein the transaction code monotonically increases each time a financial payment transaction is attempted with the smartcard;
(e) communicating both the authentication data associated with the first authentication factor and a one-time password determined based on the transaction code as the authentication data associated with the second authentication factor to the device;
and
(f) receiving authorization to access the requested device if the first authentication data and the second authentication data were verified.

7 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Multi-factor authentication using a smartcard

Life of this patent

Multi-factor authentication using a smartcard

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims21