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).

  • Publication number: 20220103538
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2021
    Publication date: March 31, 2022
    Inventor: John A. Nix
  • Patent number: 11283603
    Abstract: A set of servers can support secure and efficient “Machine to Machine” communications using an application interface and a module controller. The set of servers can record data for a plurality of modules in a shared module database. The set of servers can (i) access the Internet to communicate with a module using a module identity, (i) receive server instructions, and (iii) send module instructions. Data can be encrypted and decrypted using a set of cryptographic algorithms and a set of cryptographic parameters. The set of servers can (i) receive a module public key with a module identity, (ii) authenticate the module public key, and (iii) receive a subsequent series of module public keys derived by the module with a module identity. The application interface can use a first server private key and the module controller can use a second server private key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: Network-1 Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: John A. Nix
  • Patent number: 11258595
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: NETWORK-1 TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: John A. Nix
  • Publication number: 20220038269
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2021
    Publication date: February 3, 2022
    Inventor: John A. Nix
  • Patent number: 11233780
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignee: Network-1 Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: John A. Nix
  • Patent number: 11228448
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignee: IOT AND M2M TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: John A. Nix
  • Publication number: 20220014389
    Abstract: A tamper resistant element (TRE) in a device can operate a primary platform and support a “Smart Secure Platform”. The TRE may not keep time when electrical power is removed from the TRE. The device can receive (i) a certificate for an image delivery server (IDS) with a first timestamp and (ii) a signed second timestamp from a certificate authority, comprising a signature according to the Online Certificate Status Protocol (OCSP) with stapling. The device can forward the certificate and second timestamp to the TRE. The device can receive a ciphertext and an encrypted image from the IDS, where the ciphertext includes a third timestamp from a Time Stamp Authority (TSA), and forward the data to the TRE. The TRE can conduct a key exchange to decrypt the ciphertext. The TRE can compare the second and third timestamps to verify the certificate has not been revoked.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2019
    Publication date: January 13, 2022
    Inventor: John A. Nix
  • Publication number: 20220006625
    Abstract: A device can (i) operate a primary platform (PP) within a tamper resistant element (TRE) and (ii) receive encrypted firmware images for operating within the primary platform. The TRE can store in nonvolatile memory of the TRE (i) a PP static private key (SK-static.PP), (ii) a server public key (PK.IDS1), and (iii) a set of cryptographic parameters. The TRE can generate a one-time PKI key pair of SK-OT1.PP and PK-OT1.PP and send the public key PK-OT1.PP to a server. The TRE can receive a one-time public key from the server comprising PK-OT1.IDS1. The TRE can derive a ciphering key using an elliptic curve Diffie Hellman key exchange and the SK-static.PP, SK-OT1.PP, PK.IDS1, and PK-OT1.IDS1 keys. The TRE can decrypt the encrypted firmware using the derived ciphering key. The primary platform can comprise a smart secure platform (SSP) and the decrypted firmware can comprise a virtualized image for the primary platform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2021
    Publication date: January 6, 2022
    Inventor: John A. Nix
  • Publication number: 20210409214
    Abstract: A device and a network can authenticate using a subscription concealed identifier (SUCI). The device can store (i) a plaintext subscription permanent identifier (SUPI) for the device, (ii) a network static public key, and (iii) a key encapsulation mechanism (KEM) for encryption using the network static public key. The network can store (i) a device database with the SUPI, (ii) a network static private key, and (iii) the KEM for decryption using the network static private key. The device can (i) combine a random number with the SUPI as input into the KEM to generate a ciphertext as the SUCI, and (ii) transmit the ciphertext/SUCI to the network. The network can (i) decrypt the ciphertext using the KEM to read the SUPI, (iii) select a key K from the device database using the SUPI, and (iv) conduct an Authentication and Key Agreement (AKA) with the selected key K.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2021
    Publication date: December 30, 2021
    Inventor: John A. Nix
  • Publication number: 20210377049
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2021
    Publication date: December 2, 2021
    Inventor: John A. Nix
  • Publication number: 20210351923
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2021
    Publication date: November 11, 2021
    Inventor: John A. Nix
  • Publication number: 20210352132
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2019
    Publication date: November 11, 2021
    Inventor: John A. Nix
  • Publication number: 20210342462
    Abstract: A module such as an M2M device or a mobile phone can include a removable data storage unit. The removable data storage unit can include a nonvolatile memory, a noise amplifying memory, and a cryptographic unit. The nonvolatile memory can include (i) shared memory for access by both the module and the cryptographic unit, and (ii) protected memory accessible only by the cryptographic unit. The cryptographic unit can use a noise memory interface and noise amplifying operations in order to increase and distribute bit errors recorded in the noise amplifying memory. The cryptographic unit can (i) generate a random number using the noise amplifying memory and (ii) input the random number into a set of cryptographic algorithms in order to internally derive a PKI key pair. The private key can be recorded in protected memory and the public key signed by a certificate authority.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2021
    Publication date: November 4, 2021
    Inventor: John A. NIX
  • Patent number: 11153080
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Inventor: John A. Nix
  • Patent number: 11082218
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: Network-1 Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: John A. Nix
  • Patent number: 11080414
    Abstract: A module such as an M2M device or a mobile phone can include a removable data storage unit. The removable data storage unit can include a nonvolatile memory, a noise amplifying memory, and a cryptographic unit. The nonvolatile memory can include (i) shared memory for access by both the module and the cryptographic unit, and (ii) protected memory accessible only by the cryptographic unit. The cryptographic unit can use a noise memory interface and noise amplifying operations in order to increase and distribute bit errors recorded in the noise amplifying memory. The cryptographic unit can (i) generate a random number using the noise amplifying memory and (ii) input the random number into a set of cryptographic algorithms in order to internally derive a PKI key pair. The private key can be recorded in protected memory and the public key signed by a certificate authority.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: Huawei Device Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: John A. Nix
  • Publication number: 20210218560
    Abstract: A server can record a device static public key (Sd) and a server static private key (ss). The server can receive a message with (i) a device ephemeral public key (Ed) and (ii) a ciphertext encrypted with key K1. The server can (i) conduct an EC point addition operation on Sd and Ed and (ii) send the resulting point/secret X0 to a key server. The key server can (i) perform a first elliptic curve Diffie-Hellman (ECDH) key exchange using X0 and a network static private key to derive a point/secret X1, and (ii) send X1 to the server. The server can conduct a second ECDH key exchange using the server static private key and point X0 to derive point X2. The server can conduct an EC point addition on X1 and X2 to derive X3. The server can derive K1 using X3 and decrypt the ciphertext.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2019
    Publication date: July 15, 2021
    Inventor: John A. Nix
  • Publication number: 20210211279
    Abstract: A device can include an internal secure processing environment (SE) and communicate with a configuration system. The device may utilize a near field communications (NFC) radio. A mobile handset can connect with the SE in the device using NFC. The mobile handset can communicate with the configuration system and receive configuration data and a software package for the device. The SE can derive a PKI key pair and send the derived public key to the configuration system via the mobile handset. The SE and the configuration system can mutually derive an encryption key using the derived PKI key pair. The configuration data can be transmitted over the NFC radio, and the mobile handset can establish a Wi-Fi access point. The software package can be encrypted using the encryption key and transmitted to the device over the established Wi-Fi access point, thereby completing a configuration step for the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2019
    Publication date: July 8, 2021
    Inventor: John A. Nix
  • Publication number: 20210194681
    Abstract: A network can operate a WiFi access point with credentials. An unconfigured device can support a Device Provisioning Protocol (DPP), and record bootstrap public keys and initiator private keys. The network can record bootstrap public and responder private keys and operate a DPP server. A responder proxy can establish a secure and mutually authenticated connection with the network. The network can (i) derive responder ephemeral public and private keys, (ii) record the initiator bootstrap public key, and (iii) select a responder mode for the responder. The network can derive an encryption key with at least the (i) recorded the initiator bootstrap public key and (ii) derived responder ephemeral private key. The network can encrypt credentials using at least the derived encryption key and send the encrypted credentials through the responder proxy to the initiator, which can forward the encrypted credentials to the device, thereby supporting a device configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2021
    Publication date: June 24, 2021
    Inventor: John A. Nix
  • Publication number: 20210184842
    Abstract: 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 PM 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: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2019
    Publication date: June 17, 2021
    Inventor: John A. Nix