Patents by Inventor John A. Nix
John A. Nix 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).
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Publication number: 20250106010Abstract: Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC) can provide security against quantum computers that could feasibly determine private keys from public keys. A server communicating with a device can store and use PKI keys comprising server private key ss, device public key Sd, and device ephemeral public key Ed. The device can store and use the corresponding PKI keys, such as server public key Ss. The key use can support all of (i) mutual authentication, (ii) forward secrecy, and (iii) shared secret key exchange. The server and the device can conduct an ECDHE key exchange with the PKI keys to mutually derive a symmetric ciphering key K1. The device can encrypt a device public key PK.Device with K1 and send to the server as a first ciphertext. The server can encrypt a server public key PK.Network with at least K1 and send to the device as a second ciphertext.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 2, 2024Publication date: March 27, 2025Applicant: IoT and M2M Technologies, LLCInventor: John A Nix
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Publication number: 20250106013Abstract: A module with an embedded universal integrated circuit card (eUICC) can include a received eUICC profile and a set of cryptographic algorithms. The received eUICC profile can include an initial shared secret key for authentication with a wireless network. The module can receive a key K network token and send a key K module token to the wireless network. The module can use the key K network token, a derived module private key, and a key derivation function to derive a secret shared network key K that supports communication with the wireless network. The wireless network can use the received key K module token, a network private key, and the key derivation function in order to derive the same secret shared network key K derived by the module. The module and the wireless network can subsequently use the mutually derived key K to communicate using traditional wireless network standards.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 9, 2024Publication date: March 27, 2025Inventor: John A. Nix
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Patent number: 12244696Abstract: A server can receive a device public key and forward the device public key to a key server. The key server can perform a first elliptic curve Diffie-Hellman (ECDH) key exchange using the device public key and a network private key to derive a secret X1. The key server can send the secret X1 to the server. The server can derive an ECC PKI key pair and send to the device the server public key. The server can conduct a second ECDH key exchange using the derived server secret key and the device public key to derive a secret X2. The server can perform an ECC point addition using the secret X1 and secret X2 to derive a secret X3. The device can derive the secret X3 using (i) the server public key, a network public key, and the device private key and (ii) a third ECDH key exchange.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2024Date of Patent: March 4, 2025Assignee: IoT and M2M Technologies, LLCInventor: John A Nix
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Publication number: 20250030540Abstract: A quantum safe blockchain system can operate with quantum safe blockchain nodes (QSBN) and validators. A QSBN can generate a pending register certificate transaction comprising a public key, a fingerprint for a certificate, a URL for the certificate, a first registration number for a parent certificate of the certificate, and a digital signature. The QSBN can transmit the pending register certificate transaction to the quantum safe blockchain system. A validator can receive the pending transaction, validate the digital signature using the public key and include a confirmed register certificate transaction in a block. The confirmed transaction can include a second registration number for the certificate. The QSBN can receive the confirmed transaction and store in a database the fingerprint, the first registration number, and the second registration number. The QSBN can generate a pending certificate revocation transaction for the certificate, and transmit the pending transaction to the blockchain system.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 9, 2024Publication date: January 23, 2025Inventor: John A. NIX
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Patent number: 12207094Abstract: A module with an embedded universal integrated circuit card (eUICC) can include a profile for the eUICC. The profile can include a first and second shared secret key K for authenticating with a wireless network. The first shared secret key K can be encrypted with a first key, and the second shared secret key K can be encrypted with a second key. The module can (i) receive the first key, (ii) decrypt the first shared secret key K with the first key, and (iii) subsequently authenticate with the wireless network using the plaintext first shared secret key K. The wireless network can authenticate the user of the module using a second factor. The module can then (i) receive the second key, (ii) decrypt the second shared secret key K, and (iii) authenticate with the wireless network using the second shared secret key K. The module can comprise a mobile phone.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2024Date of Patent: January 21, 2025Assignee: Network-1 Technologies, Inc.Inventor: John A. Nix
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Publication number: 20250016007Abstract: A device can (i) store public keys Ss and Sn for a network and (ii) record private key sd. A network can record a corresponding private keys ss and sn. The device can (i) generate a device ephemeral PKI key pair (Ed, ed) and (ii) send public key Ed to the network. The device can receive an ephemeral public key Es from the network. The device can calculate values for A: an elliptic curve point addition over Ss, Sn, and Es, and B: (sd+ed) mod n. The device can input values for X and Y into an elliptic curve Diffie Hellman key exchange (ECDH) in order to determine a mutually derived shared secret X5, where the network can also derive shared secret X5. The device can (i) use X5 to derive a key K2 and (ii) decrypt a ciphertext from the network using key K2.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 23, 2024Publication date: January 9, 2025Applicant: IoT and M2M Technologies, LLCInventor: John A. Nix
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Patent number: 12192184Abstract: A server and a device can support secure sessions with both (i) post-quantum cryptography (PQC) key encapsulation mechanisms (KEM) and (ii) session resumption. In an initial secure session, the device and server can mutually generate a first shared secret key K1 from a first KEM based on a device PKI key pair. The device and server can mutually generate a second shared secret key K2 from a second KEM based on a server PKI key pair. The device and server can mutually generate a symmetric ciphering key S2 from both K1 and K2. The server can encrypt an identity for a “pre-shared” secret key (PSK-ID) with S2. The device and server can (i) mutually generate a PSK from both K1 and K2 and (ii) close the initial secure session. The device can transmit a message to resume the session, where the message includes the PSK-ID and a MAC value.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2022Date of Patent: January 7, 2025Inventor: John A. Nix
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Patent number: 12166869Abstract: A module with an embedded universal integrated circuit card (eUICC) can include a received eUICC profile and a set of cryptographic algorithms. The received eUICC profile can include an initial shared secret key for authentication with a wireless network. The module can receive a key K network token and send a key K module token to the wireless network. The module can use the key K network token, a derived module private key, and a key derivation function to derive a secret shared network key K that supports communication with the wireless network. The wireless network can use the received key K module token, a network private key, and the key derivation function in order to derive the same secret shared network key K derived by the module. The module and the wireless network can subsequently use the mutually derived key K to communicate using traditional wireless network standards.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2023Date of Patent: December 10, 2024Assignee: Network-1 Technologies, Inc.Inventor: John A. Nix
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Patent number: 12143478Abstract: Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC) can provide security against quantum computers that could feasibly determine private keys from public keys. A server communicating with a device can store and use PKI keys comprising server private key ss, device public key Sd, and device ephemeral public key Ed. The device can store and use the corresponding PKI keys, such as server public key Ss. The key use can support all of (i) mutual authentication, (ii) forward secrecy, and (iii) shared secret key exchange. The server and the device can conduct an ECDHE key exchange with the PKI keys to mutually derive a symmetric ciphering key K1. The device can encrypt a device public key PK.Device with K1 and send to the server as a first ciphertext. The server can encrypt a server public key PK.Network with at least K1 and send to the device as a second ciphertext.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2023Date of Patent: November 12, 2024Assignee: IoT and M2M Technologies, LLCInventor: John A Nix
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Patent number: 12137173Abstract: A device can (i) store public keys Ss and Sn for a network and (ii) record private key sd. A network can record a corresponding private keys ss and sn. The device can (i) generate a device ephemeral PKI key pair (Ed, ed) and (ii) send public key Ed to the network. The device can receive an ephemeral public key Es from the network. The device can calculate values for A: an elliptic curve point addition over Ss, Sn, and Es, and B: (sd+ed)mod n. The device can input values for X and Y into an elliptic curve Diffie Hellman key exchange (ECDH) in order to determine a mutually derived shared secret X5, where the network can also derive shared secret X5. The device can (i) use X5 to derive a key K2 and (ii) decrypt a ciphertext from the network using key K2.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2023Date of Patent: November 5, 2024Assignee: IoT and M2M Technologies, LLCInventor: John A Nix
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Publication number: 20240349053Abstract: A device, mobile operator, network, and a device provider can exchange messages for EAP-TLS authentication. The network can include an authentication server function (AUSF). A device and a device provider can record both a device certificate and a device provider certificate. The network can receive an encrypted identity for the device and forward the identity to the device provider. The device provider can send the device certificate and the device provider certificate to the network. The network can (i) receive a “client hello”, (ii) select a network public key and private key, and (iii) send a certificate signing request to the device provider with the network public key, and (iv) receive a network certificate verified by the device provider certificate. The network can receive the device certificate from the device in a TLS handshake and mutually authenticate with the device using the received network certificate and the device certificate.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 24, 2024Publication date: October 17, 2024Inventor: John A. Nix
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Publication number: 20240323005Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for supporting efficient and secure “Machine-to-Machine” (M2M) communications using a module, a server, and an application. A module can communicate with the server by accessing the Internet, and the module can include a sensor and/or an actuator. The module, server, and application can utilize public key infrastructure (PKI) such as public keys and private keys. The module can internally derive pairs of private/public keys using cryptographic algorithms and a first set of parameters. A server can authenticate the submission of derived public keys and an associated module identity. The server can use a first server private key and a second set of parameters to (i) send module data to the application and (ii) receive module instructions from the application. The server can use a second server private key and the first set of parameters to communicate with the module.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 9, 2024Publication date: September 26, 2024Inventor: John A. Nix
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Publication number: 20240323006Abstract: A network and a device can support a secure session with both (i) multiple post-quantum cryptography (PQC) key encapsulation mechanisms (KEM) and (ii) forward secrecy. The network can operate (i) a first server for conducting KEM with the device and (ii) a second server for generating a digital signature which can be verified by the device with a server certificate. The first server can receive a device ephemeral public key (ePK.device) and generate (i) a server ephemeral public key (ePK.server) and private key. The first server can send, to the second server, data comprising ciphertext for the ePK.device, ePK.server and the server certificate. The second server can (i) generate the digital signature over the data, and (ii) send the digital signature to the first server. The first server can conduct a KEM with ePK.device and the ciphertext in order to encrypt at least ePK.server and the digital signature.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 3, 2024Publication date: September 26, 2024Inventor: John A. Nix
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Patent number: 12088706Abstract: A network and a device can support secure sessions with both (i) a post-quantum cryptography (PQC) key encapsulation mechanism (KEM) and (ii) forward secrecy. The device can generate (i) an ephemeral public key (ePK.device) and private key (eSK.device) and (ii) send ePK.device with first KEM parameters to the network. The network can (i) conduct a first KEM with ePK.device to derive a first asymmetric ciphertext and first shared secret, and (ii) generate a first symmetric ciphertext for PK.server and second KEM parameters using the first shared secret. The network can send the first asymmetric ciphertext and the first symmetric ciphertext to the device. The network can receive (i) a second symmetric ciphertext comprising “double encrypted” second asymmetric ciphertext for a second KEM with SK.server, and (ii) a third symmetric ciphertext. The network can decrypt the third symmetric ciphertext using the second asymmetric ciphertext.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2023Date of Patent: September 10, 2024Inventor: John A. Nix
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Patent number: 12069123Abstract: A storage radio unit (SRU) for a device can include a radio, embedded universal integrated circuit card (eUICC), a processor, an antenna, and nonvolatile memory. The SRU can support standards for removable storage form factors and record a file system for a device. The device can be associated with a service provider and the SRU can be associated with a network provider. The radio can support Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) standards. The SRU can operate a file system interface (FSI) for the radio, where the device records application data in a file of the FSI. The SRU can attach to a wireless NB-IoT network using credentials recorded in the eUICC. The SRU can read the file of the FSI, and compress, encrypt, and transmit the application data to a network provider via the radio. The network provider can transmit the application data via TLS to the service provider.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2022Date of Patent: August 20, 2024Assignee: IOT AND M2M TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventor: John A. Nix
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Publication number: 20240276214Abstract: A wireless device with transducers can support remote monitoring and include an 802.11 compatible radio and a set of device default credentials. The device can be installed at a physical location with service from a fixed access point operating with a different set of owner credentials. A mobile phone can (i) scan a tag for the device and download a set of configuration parameters for the device, and (ii) authenticate with a configuration system. The mobile phone can receive the set of device default credentials from the configuration system. The mobile phone can activate a mobile access point using the set of device default credentials. The device can connect with the mobile phone's access point and receive a ciphertext with the owner credentials and a configuration package. The device can apply the configuration package and load the owner credentials in order to connect with the fixed access point.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 16, 2024Publication date: August 15, 2024Applicant: IoT and M2M Technologies, LLCInventor: John A. Nix
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Publication number: 20240267206Abstract: A server can receive a device public key and forward the device public key to a key server. The key server can perform a first elliptic curve Diffie-Hellman (ECDH) key exchange using the device public key and a network private key to derive a secret X1. The key server can send the secret X1 to the server. The server can derive an ECC PKI key pair and send to the device the server public key. The server can conduct a second ECDH key exchange using the derived server secret key and the device public key to derive a secret X2. The server can perform an ECC point addition using the secret X1 and secret X2 to derive a secret X3. The device can derive the secret X3 using (i) the server public key, a network public key, and the device private key and (ii) a third ECDH key exchange.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2024Publication date: August 8, 2024Applicant: IoT and M2M Technologies, LLCInventor: John A. Nix
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Patent number: 12050692Abstract: A device can operate a processor, a primary platform, and a nonvolatile memory that includes a first boot firmware for the processor. The nonvolatile memory can comprise a (i) read-only memory for the processor and (ii) a read and write memory for the primary platform. Upon power up, the processor can load the first boot firmware with a first certificate and first set of cryptographic algorithms to verify a digital signature for a second boot firmware, where the second boot firmware is loaded by the processor after the first boot firmware. The primary platform can securely download a secondary platform bundle (SPB) with a boot update image and a second certificate and second set of cryptographic algorithms. The SPB can replace the first boot firmware with the updated first boot firmware. The processor verifies the second boot firmware with the second certificate and the second set of cryptographic algorithms.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2020Date of Patent: July 30, 2024Inventor: John A. Nix
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Publication number: 20240250938Abstract: A module with an embedded universal integrated circuit card (eUICC) can include a profile for the eUICC. The profile can include a first and second shared secret key K for authenticating with a wireless network. The first shared secret key K can be encrypted with a first key, and the second shared secret key K can be encrypted with a second key. The module can (i) receive the first key, (ii) decrypt the first shared secret key K with the first key, and (iii) subsequently authenticate with the wireless network using the plaintext first shared secret key K. The wireless network can authenticate the user of the module using a second factor. The module can then (i) receive the second key, (ii) decrypt the second shared secret key K, and (iii) authenticate with the wireless network using the second shared secret key K. The module can comprise a mobile phone.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 18, 2024Publication date: July 25, 2024Inventor: John A. Nix
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Patent number: 12047516Abstract: A server can record (i) a first digital signature algorithm with a first certificate, and a corresponding first private key, and (ii) a second digital signature algorithm with a second certificate, and a corresponding second private key. The server can select first data to sign for the first algorithm and the first private key in order to generate a first digital signature. The server can select second data to sign, wherein the second data to sign includes at least the first digital signature. The server can generate a second digital signature for the second data to sign using the second algorithm and the second private key. The server can transmit a message comprising (i) the first and second certificates, and (ii) the first and second digital signatures to a client device. Systems and methods can concurrently support the use of both post-quantum and classical cryptography to enhance security.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2023Date of Patent: July 23, 2024Inventor: John A. Nix