Patents by Inventor Christopher Howell

Christopher Howell has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 10944713
    Abstract: Secure directory services are disclosed. A cryptographic hash of a foreign identifier associated with a potential user is received. A determination is made that the received cryptographic hash of the foreign identifier matches a representation of a stored entry. In response to the determination, a transmission of a representation of a native identifier associated with the stored entry is transmitted to the sender of the cryptographic hash of the foreign identifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: Wickr Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Howell, Robert Statica, Kara Lynn Coppa
  • Patent number: 10911431
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes techniques that allow for a client-side application, located on a first client device, to generate a random encryption key and encrypt locally-stored application data with the random encryption key. In order to ensure that the client-device application is unable to decrypt the locally-stored encrypted application data prior to authenticating with an external authentication source (i.e., SSO, IdP), the client-side application divides the random encryption key into at least a first share and a second share according to a secret sharing algorithm. The first share is transmitted to a trusted third party, while the second share is encrypted locally and stored in a secure location on the client device. Upon successful authentication, the trusted third party returns the second share to the first client device. The client-side application derives the random encryption key and decrypts the locally-stored encrypted application data to be used by the client-side application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: Wickr Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Michael Leavy, Joël Alwen, Christopher Howell
  • Patent number: 10791196
    Abstract: A secure communication platform includes a user database that allows users from different secure communication networks to perform directory look-ups to access keys, and other information, for recipients outside of their network. Users from different secure communication networks may request, from the database, user information of users outside their secure communication. The user information may allow the users of different secure communication networks to exchange secure communications. The secure communication platform provides a high degree of trust regarding the sender's identity, allowing the receiving network to trust the sender, and allowing the secure communications to flow across different secure communication networks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: Wickr Inc.
    Inventors: Arjun Bhatnagar, Christopher Howell
  • Patent number: 10715504
    Abstract: A method, system, and non-transitory computer readable medium are described for providing a sender a plurality of ephemeral keys such that a sender and receiver can exchange encrypted communications. Accordingly, a sender may retrieve information, such as a public key and a key identifier, for the first receiver from a local storage. The retrieved information may be used to generate a key-encrypting key that is used to generate a random communication encryption key. The random communication encryption key is used to encrypt a communication, while the key-encrypting key encrypts the random communication key. The encrypted communication and the encrypted random communication key are transmitted to the first receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: Wickr Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Michael Leavy, Christopher Howell, Joël Alwen
  • Publication number: 20200213111
    Abstract: The present application describes a method, system, and non-transitory computer-readable medium for end-to-end encryption during a secure communication session. According to the present disclosure, a first device initializes a secure communication session with at least one second device. Initializing the secure communication session includes transmitting an invitation to a secure communication session to the at least one second device. The at least one second device may generate a transmission root key, which may be used to derive a first key for encrypting data transmitted to the first device and a second key for decrypting received data from the first device. The at least one second device may transmit the transmission root key to the first device, which may use the transmission root key to derive a first key to encrypt data transmitted to the at least one second device and a second key to decrypt data received from the at least one second device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2020
    Publication date: July 2, 2020
    Inventors: Thomas Michael Leavy, Joël Alwen, Christopher Howell
  • Patent number: 10683627
    Abstract: Systems, apparatus and methods useful for collecting and separating floating debris and water from a body of water on a vessel, the vessel including at least one inflow regulator (IFR) chamber at least partially separated from a main collection compartment and at least one fluid discharge pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: Ocean Cleaner, LLC
    Inventors: Russell S. Covington, Kim Michael Folse, Christopher Howell Gunter
  • Publication number: 20200162440
    Abstract: A digital security bubble encapsulation is disclosed. A public key and a device identifier of at least one recipient is requested from a first server. A message containing one or more components is encrypted using a symmetric key. The symmetric key is encrypted with a public key received in response to the request. The encrypted message, the encrypted symmetric key, and the device identifier are encapsulated in a digital security bubble encapsulation. The digital security bubble encapsulation is transmitted to a second server.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2020
    Publication date: May 21, 2020
    Inventors: Christopher A. Howell, Robert Statica, Kara Lynn Coppa
  • Publication number: 20200137032
    Abstract: Determining whether to allow access to a message is disclosed. A message is received from a sender. The message is associated with a first time-to-live (TTL) value. A determination is made that the first time-to-live value has not been exceeded. The determination is made at least in part by obtaining an external master clock time. In response to the determination, access is allowed to the message.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2020
    Publication date: April 30, 2020
    Inventors: Robert Statica, Christopher A. Howell, Kara Lynn Coppa
  • Patent number: 10581817
    Abstract: A digital security bubble encapsulation is disclosed. A public key and a device identifier of at least one recipient is requested from a first server. A message containing one or more components is encrypted using a symmetric key. The symmetric key is encrypted with a public key received in response to the request. The encrypted message, the encrypted symmetric key, and the device identifier are encapsulated in a digital security bubble encapsulation. The digital security bubble encapsulation is transmitted to a second server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: Wickr Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Howell, Robert Statica, Kara Lynn Coppa
  • Patent number: 10567349
    Abstract: Determining whether to allow access to a message is disclosed. A message is received from a sender. The message is associated with a first time-to-live (TTL) value. A determination is made that the first time-to-live value has not been exceeded. The determination is made at least in part by obtaining an external master clock time. In response to the determination, access is allowed to the message.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: Wickr Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Statica, Christopher A. Howell, Kara Lynn Coppa
  • Publication number: 20190356649
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes techniques that allow for a client-side application, located on a first client device, to generate a random encryption key and encrypt locally-stored application data with the random encryption key. The random encryption key is used in lieu of a password-derived encryption key. In order to ensure that the client-device application is unable to decrypt the locally-stored encrypted application data prior to authenticating with an external authentication source (i.e., SSO, IdP), the random encryption key is encrypted with a key-encrypting key derived using a pseudorandom function (PRF). By using a PRF, the first device is able to authenticate to the first server and derive a secure key as part of the authentication process. Accordingly, the present disclosure describes techniques for securing data on a client device when credentials are managed by an external authentication system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2018
    Publication date: November 21, 2019
    Applicant: Wickr Inc.
    Inventors: Joël Alwen, Thomas Michael Leavy, Christopher Howell
  • Publication number: 20190356650
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes techniques that allow for a client-side application, located on a first client device, to generate a random encryption key and encrypt locally-stored application data with the random encryption key. In order to ensure that the client-device application is unable to decrypt the locally-stored encrypted application data prior to authenticating with an external authentication source (i.e., SSO, IdP), the client-side application divides the random encryption key into at least a first share and a second share according to a secret sharing algorithm. The first share is transmitted to a trusted third party, while the second share is encrypted locally and stored in a secure location on the client device. Upon successful authentication, the trusted third party returns the second share to the first client device. The client-side application derives the random encryption key and decrypts the locally-stored encrypted application data to be used by the client-side application.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2018
    Publication date: November 21, 2019
    Applicant: Wickr Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Michael Leavy, Joël Alwen, Christopher Howell
  • Publication number: 20190338481
    Abstract: Systems, apparatus and methods useful for collecting and separating floating debris and water from a body of water on a vessel, the vessel including at least one inflow regulator (IFR) chamber at least partially separated from a main collection compartment and at least one fluid discharge pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2018
    Publication date: November 7, 2019
    Applicant: Ocean Cleaner, LLC
    Inventors: Russell S. Covington, Kim Michael Folse, Christopher Howell Gunter
  • Patent number: 10432597
    Abstract: A digital security bubble encapsulation is disclosed. A public key and a device identifier of at least one recipient is requested from a first server. A message containing one or more components is encrypted using a symmetric key. The symmetric key is encrypted with a public key received in response to the request. The encrypted message, the encrypted symmetric key, and the device identifier are encapsulated in a digital security bubble encapsulation. The digital security bubble encapsulation is transmitted to a second server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: Wickr Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Howell, Robert Statica, Kara Lynn Coppa
  • Patent number: 10396982
    Abstract: An indication is received from a server that a first pool of public keys should be transmitted to a server. At least one public-private keypair is generated in response to the received indication. The public key portion of the generated keypair is transmitted to the server. A subsequent indication is received from the server that an additional public key should be transmitted to the server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: Wickr Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Statica, Christopher A. Howell
  • Patent number: 10396987
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes a system, method, and non-transitory computer readable medium for provisioning multiple instances of a secure communication application on multiple devices. A secure communication application on a first device generates a first set of private keys that are associated with the user and a second set of keys that are associated with the secure communication application executing on the first device. The first set of private keys establishes a set of root identifying keys for the user that are identical for all installations of the secure communication application, while the second set of keys will vary from device to device. In this regard, the first set of root identifying keys must be securely transferred from the first device to any subsequent installations of the secure communication application on one or more second devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: Wickr Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Michael Leavy, Christopher Howell
  • Patent number: 10382197
    Abstract: A first public key associated with a first recipient is requested from a server. The first public key is received, as is an associated first key reference value. The first public key is used in conjunction with securing a first message. The first public key is destroyed. A second public key associated with the first recipient is requested from the server. A second public key and an associated second key reference value are received. The second public key is different from the first public key and the first key reference value is different from the second key reference value. The second public key is used in conjunction with the securing of a second message and the second public key is destroyed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Wickr Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Statica, Christopher A. Howell
  • Patent number: 10320560
    Abstract: An indication is received from a server that a first pool of public keys should be transmitted to a server. At least one public-private keypair is generated in response to the received indication. The public key portion of the generated keypair is transmitted to the server. A subsequent indication is received from the server that an additional public key should be transmitted to the server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: Wickr Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Statica, Christopher A. Howell
  • Patent number: 10263964
    Abstract: Determining whether to allow access to a message is disclosed. A message is received from a sender. The message is associated with a first time-to-live (TTL) value. A determination is made that the first time-to-live value has not been exceeded. The determination is made at least in part by obtaining an external master clock time. In response to the determination, access is allowed to the message.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: Wickr Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Howell, Robert Statica, Kara Lynn Coppa
  • Patent number: 10242217
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes techniques for storing encrypted files in a secure file repository and transferring those encrypted files to one or more recipients. A user selects a file to upload to a secure file repository. A secure collaboration app on the user's device generates a first encryption key that is used to encrypt the file. The encrypted file is then uploaded to the secure file repository, which provides the secure collaboration app with a random file name and a location of the encrypted file. The secure collaboration app updates locally stored metadata of the first encrypted file. To securely transfer the file, the user generates a second encryption key, encrypts the metadata with the second encryption key, and transmits the encrypted metadata to one or more receivers. The one or more receivers decrypt the encrypted metadata and use the decrypted metadata to retrieve the file and decrypt it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: Wickr Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Michael Leavy, Christopher Howell, David A. Sugar, Dipakkumar R. Kasabwala, Ernest W. Grzybowski