Abstract: A policy-based framework is described. This policy-based framework may be used to specify the privileges for logical entities to perform operations associated with an access-control element (such as an electronic Subscriber Identity Module) located within a secure element in an electronic device. Note that different logical entities may have different privileges for different operations associated with the same or different access-control elements. Moreover, the policy-based framework may specify types of credentials that are used by the logical entities during authentication, so that different types of credentials may be used for different operations and/or by different logical entities. Furthermore, the policy-based framework may specify the security protocols and security levels that are used by the logical entities during authentication, so that different security protocols and security levels may be used for different operations and/or by different logical entities.

Abstract: The embodiments set forth techniques for an embedded Universal Integrated Circuit Card (eUICC) to conditionally require, when performing management operations in association with electronic Subscriber Identity Modules (eSIMs), human-based authentication. The eUICC receives a request to perform a management operation in association with an eSIM. In response, the eUICC determines whether a policy being enforced by the eUICC indicates that a human-based authentication is required prior to performing the management operation. Next, the eUICC causes the mobile device to prompt a user of the mobile device to carry out the human-based authentication. The management operation is then performed or ignored in accordance with results of the human-based authentication.

Abstract: Described herein is a simulacrum security device and methods. In one embodiment, a simulacrum or likeness of a physical security device is provided for use in conjunction with a software emulation of the security device. In one implementation, a “faux SIM card” is provided that does not contain Subscriber Identification Module (SIM) information itself, but instead enables a user to download Electronic SIM (eSIM) information (e.g., from a network or eSIM server) which is loaded into a software emulation of a Universal Integrated Circuit Card (UICC) device. The faux card is printed with an activation code, scan pattern, or other activation or access information. The subscriber purchases the faux card, and enters the activation code into a device; the entered activation code enables the device to log onto a network, and download the appropriate eSIM data.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for large scale distribution of electronic access control clients. In one aspect, a tiered security software protocol is disclosed. In one exemplary embodiment, a server electronic Universal Integrated Circuit Card (eUICC) and client eUICC software comprise a so-called “stack” of software layers. Each software layer is responsible for a set of hierarchical functions which are negotiated with its corresponding peer software layer. The tiered security software protocol is configured for large scale distribution of electronic Subscriber Identity Modules (eSIMs).

Abstract: A method for establishing a secure communication channel between an off-card entity and an embedded Universal Integrated Circuit Card (eUICC) is provided. The method involves establishing symmetric keys that are ephemeral in scope. Specifically, an off-card entity, and each eUICC in a set of eUICCs managed by the off-card entity, possess long-term Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) information. When a secure communication channel is to be established between the off-card entity and an eUICC, the eUICC and the off-card entity can authenticate one another in accordance with the respectively-possessed PKI information (e.g., verifying public keys). After authentication, the off-card entity and the eUICC establish a shared session-based symmetric key for implementing the secure communication channel. Specifically, the shared session-based symmetric key is generated according to whether perfect or half forward security is desired.

Abstract: A method for preparing an eSIM for provisioning is provided. The method can include a provisioning server encrypting the eSIM with a symmetric key. The method can further include the provisioning server, after determining a target eUICC to which the eSIM is to be provisioned, encrypting the symmetric key with a key encryption key derived based at least in part on a private key associated with the provisioning server and a public key associated with the target eUICC. The method can additionally include the provisioning server formatting an eSIM package including the encrypted eSIM, the encrypted symmetric key, and a public key corresponding to the private key associated with the provisioning server. The method can also include the provisioning server sending the eSIM package to the target eUICC.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for storing and controlling access control clients. In one embodiment, transmitting and receiving devices ensure that only one copy of an eSIM is active at any time. Specifically, each transferred eSIM is encrypted for the destination device; the eSIM from the source device is deleted, deactivated, or otherwise rendered unusable. Various aspects of network infrastructure are also described, including electronic Universal Integrated Circuit Card (eUICC) appliances, and mobile devices. Various scenarios for transfer of eSIMs are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus enabling programming of electronic identification information of a wireless apparatus. In one embodiment, a previously purchased or deployed wireless apparatus is activated by a cellular network. The wireless apparatus connects to the cellular network using an access module to download operating system components and/or access control client components. The described methods and apparatus enable updates, additions and replacement of various components including Electronic Subscriber Identity Module (eSIM) data, OS components. One exemplary implementation of the invention utilizes a trusted key exchange between the device and the cellular network to maintain security.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for providing controlled switching of electronic access control clients (e.g., electronic Subscriber Identity Modules (eSIMs)) without requiring network access are set forth herein. In one embodiment, a method for swapping of subscriptions and/or profiles for without network supervision that prevents possibly malicious high frequency switching is disclosed. For example, a secure element included in a mobile device can be configured to issue, to a security module included in the mobile device, a request for the security module to carry out an authentication of a user of the mobile device. Upon determining, based on results received from the security module, that the authentication is successful, the secure element can generate one or more credits in accordance with the results, where each credit of the one or more credits can be used to carry out an eSIM management operation within the secure element.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a technique for revoking a root certificate from at least one client device. In particular, the technique involves causing a secure element—which is included in the at least one client device and is configured to store the root certificate as well as at least one backup root certificate—to permanently disregard the root certificate and prevent the at least one client device from utilizing the specific root certificate. According to one embodiment, this revocation occurs in response to a receiving a revocation message that directly targets the root certificate, where the message includes at least two levels of authentication that are verified by the secure element prior to carrying out the revocation. Once the root certificate is revoked, the secure element can continue to utilize the at least one backup root certificate, while permanently disregarding the revoked root certificate.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for providing controlled switching of electronic access control clients without requiring network access are set forth herein. In one embodiment, a method for swapping of subscriptions and/or profiles for electronic Subscriber Identity Modules (eSIMs) without network supervision that prevents possibly malicious high frequency switching is disclosed. The disclosed embodiments offer reasonable management capabilities for network operators, without compromising the flexibility of eSIM operation.

Abstract: A simulacrum security device and methods. In one embodiment, a simulacrum or likeness of a physical security device is provided for use in conjunction with a software emulation of the security device. In one implementation, a “faux SIM card” is provided that does not contain Subscriber Identification Module (SIM) information itself, but instead enables a user to download Electronic SIM (eSIM) information (e.g., from a network or eSIM server) which is loaded into a software emulation of a Universal Integrated Circuit Card (UICC) device. The faux card is printed with an activation code, scan pattern, or other activation or access information. The subscriber purchases the faux card, and enters the activation code into a device; the entered activation code enables the device to log onto a network, and download the appropriate eSIM data.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for storing and controlling access control clients. In one embodiment, transmitting and receiving devices ensure that only one copy of an eSIM is active at any time. Specifically, each transferred eSIM is encrypted for the destination device; the eSIM from the source device is deleted, deactivated, or otherwise rendered unusable. Various aspects of network infrastructure are also described, including electronic Universal Integrated Circuit Card (eUICC) appliances, and mobile devices. Various scenarios for transfer of eSIMs are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a technique for securely provisioning access control entities (e.g., electronic Subscriber Identity Module (eSIM) components) to a user equipment (UE) device. In one embodiment, a UE device is assigned a unique key and an endorsement certificate that can be used to provide updates or new eSIMs to the UE device. The UE device can trust eSIM material delivered by an unknown third-party eSIM vendor, based on a secure certificate transmission with the unique key. In another aspect, an operating system (OS) is partitioned into various sandboxes. During operation, the UE device can activate and execute the OS in the sandbox corresponding to a current wireless network. Personalization packages received while connected to the network only apply to that sandbox. Similarly, when loading an eSIM, the OS need only load the list of software necessary for the current run-time environment. Unused software can be subsequently activated.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus enabling programming of electronic identification information of a wireless apparatus. In one embodiment, a previously purchased or deployed wireless apparatus is activated by a cellular network. The wireless apparatus connects to the cellular network using an access module to download operating system components and/or access control client components. The described methods and apparatus enable updates, additions and replacement of various components including Electronic Subscriber Identity Module (eSIM) data, OS components. One exemplary implementation of the invention utilizes a trusted key exchange between the device and the cellular network to maintain security.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for distributing access control clients. In one exemplary embodiment, a network infrastructure is disclosed that enables delivery of electronic subscriber identity modules (eSIMs) to secure elements (e.g., electronic Universal Integrated Circuit Cards (eUICCs), etc.) The network architecture includes one or more of: (i) eSIM appliances, (ii) secure eSIM storages, (iii) eSIM managers, (iv) eUICC appliances, (v) eUICC managers, (vi) service provider consoles, (vii) account managers, (viii) Mobile Network Operator (MNO) systems, (ix) eUICCs that are local to one or more devices, and (x) depots. Moreover, each depot may include: (xi) eSIM inventory managers, (xii) system directory services, (xiii) communications managers, and/or (xiv) pending eSIM storages. Functions of the disclosed infrastructure can be flexibly partitioned and/or adapted such that individual parties can host portions of the infrastructure.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a technique for securely provisioning access control entities (e.g., electronic Subscriber Identity Module (eSIM) components) to a user equipment (UE) device. In one embodiment, a UE device is assigned a unique key and an endorsement certificate that can be used to provide updates or new eSIMs to the UE device. The UE device can trust eSIM material delivered by an unknown third-party eSIM vendor, based on a secure certificate transmission with the unique key. In another aspect, an operating system (OS) is partitioned into various sandboxes. During operation, the UE device can activate and execute the OS in the sandbox corresponding to a current wireless network. Personalization packages received while connected to the network only apply to that sandbox. Similarly, when loading an eSIM, the OS need only load the list of software necessary for the current run-time environment. Unused software can be subsequently activated.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for distributing electronic access client modules for use with electronic devices. In one embodiment, the access client modules are virtual subscriber identity modules (VSIMs) that can be downloaded from online services for use with cellular-equipped devices such as smartphones. The online services may include a point of sale (POS) system that sells electronic devices to users. A broker may be used to facilitate the selection of a virtual subscriber identity module. A provisioning service may also be used to provision the selected VSIM.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for distributing access control clients. In one exemplary embodiment, a network infrastructure is disclosed that enables delivery of electronic subscriber identity modules (eSIMs) to secure elements (e.g., electronic Universal Integrated Circuit Cards (eUICCs), etc.) The network architecture includes one or more of: (i) eSIM appliances, (ii) secure eSIM storages, (iii) eSIM managers, (iv) eUICC appliances, (v) eUICC managers, (vi) service provider consoles, (vii) account managers, (viii) Mobile Network Operator (MNO) systems, (ix) eUICCs that are local to one or more devices, and (x) depots. Moreover, each depot may include: (xi) eSIM inventory managers, (xii) system directory services, (xiii) communications managers, and/or (xiv) pending eSIM storages. Functions of the disclosed infrastructure can be flexibly partitioned and/or adapted such that individual parties can host portions of the infrastructure.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for efficiently distributing and storing access control clients within a network. In one embodiment, the access clients include electronic Subscriber Identity Modules (eSIMs), and an eSIM distribution network infrastructure is described which enforces eSIM uniqueness and conservation, distributes network traffic to prevent “bottle necking” congestion, and provides reasonable disaster recovery capabilities. In one variant, eSIMs are securely stored at electronic Universal Integrated Circuit Card (eUICC) appliances which ensure eSIM uniqueness and conservation. Access to the eUICC appliances is made via multiple eSIM depots, which ensure that network load is distributed. Persistent storage is additionally described, for among other activities, archiving and backup.