Geo-fencing cryptographic key material
US9647998B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 21, 2014 |
| Grant date | May 9, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 21, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04W12/041
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
In representative embodiments, a geo-fence cryptographic key material comprising a geo-fence description defining a geographic area and associated cryptographic key material is assigned to an entity for use in authenticated communications. The validity of the cryptographic material changes state based on whether the entity is inside or outside the geographic area. This is accomplished in a representative embodiment by suspending the validity of the cryptographic key material when the entity is outside the geographic area and reinstating the validity of the cryptographic key material when the entity is inside the geographic area. A geographic update service determines the validity of the cryptographic material in part using location updates sent by the entity. Entities that are not geo-aware can delegate the location update to a geo-aware device. Encryption can be used to preserve privacy.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.