Proximity Based Device Security

Abstract

Devices, systems and methods are disclosed for additional security, functionality, and convenience in the operation of a wireless communication device with the use of a separate proximity security token in communication with the wireless communication device. In exemplary embodiments, the token is carried by the user while device logic is installed on the user's wireless communication device. The device logic along with transceivers allows the device to sense proximity of the token through wireless communication. Given a certain range of the proximity security token, as determined by the wireless signal strength, the device logic determines whether the device is in a locked or unlocked state. If the proximity security token is outside the range, then the device is locked. The proximity security token uses ultra-low power communications for optimal battery life.

I claim: 
     
         1 . A device comprising:
 a processor; and   a memory coupled to the processor, the memory storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform operations comprising:
 determining that a proximity security token is required to access an application, 
 in response to determining that the proximity security token is required to access the application, locking access to the application, 
 in response to detecting an attempt to access the application, determining if the proximity security token is present, 
 detecting a presence of the proximity security token by measuring signals emitted by the proximity security token, 
 determining if the proximity security token is within a predefined distance of the device, and 
 in response to a determination that the proximity security token is within the predefined distance of the device,
 obtaining a unique identifier from the proximity security token, and 
 in response to obtaining the unique identifier, unlocking the application. 
 
   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform operations further comprising:
 determining if the proximity security token remains within the predefined distance; and   in response to a determination that the proximity security token does not remain within the predefined distance, locking the application.   
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform operations further comprising:
 starting a timer for a set time period upon locking the application; and   determining, upon expiration of the timer, if the proximity security token is within the predefined distance.   
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 3 , wherein the instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform operations further comprising:
 in response to determining that the proximity security token is not within the predefined distance, wiping a portion of the memory.   
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 3 , wherein the instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform operations further comprising:
 in response to determining that the proximity security token is not within the predefined distance, wiping the memory.   
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a display, wherein the instructions, when executed by the processor, causes the processor to perform operations further comprising displaying a plurality of security settings on the display. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 6 , wherein the security settings comprise an option to wipe the memory after the set time period and a further option for requiring biometric information. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 7 , further comprising an input device, wherein the security settings are adjustable via the input device. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a speaker, wherein the operations further comprise emitting a sound through the speaker upon detecting an absence of the proximity security token. 
     
     
         10 . A method comprising:
 determining, by a device that executes a token logic, whether a proximity security token is required to access an application;   in response to determining that the proximity security token is required to access the application, locking, by the device, access to the application;   detecting, by the device, an attempt to access the application;   in response to detecting the attempt to access the application, determining, by the device, if the proximity security token is within a predefined distance of the device by measuring signals emitted by the proximity security token;   in response to a determination that the proximity token is not within the predefined distance, not unlocking the application; and   in response to a determination that the proximity token is within the predefined distance requesting, by the device, a unique identifier from the proximity security token, and   in response to obtaining the unique identifier from the proximity security token, unlocking, by the device, the application.   
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the secure input comprises a biometric input. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 10 , further comprising requiring the secure input to conduct a transaction. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 10 , further comprising generating a one-time password. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 10 , further comprising:
 determining if the proximity security token remains within the predefined distance of the device; and   in response to a determination that the proximity security token does not remain within the predefined distance of the device, locking the application.   
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14 , further comprising:
 starting a timer for a set time period upon locking the application; and   determining, upon expiration of the timer, if the proximity security token is within the predefined distance.   
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , further comprising:
 in response to determining that the proximity security token is not within the predefined distance, wiping a portion of a memory of the device.   
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 15 , further comprising:
 in response to determining that the proximity security token is not within the predefined distance, wiping a memory of the device.   
     
     
         18 . A method comprising:
 determining, by a mobile communications device that executes a token logic, that a proximity security token is required to access an application executed by the mobile communications device;   in response to determining that the proximity security token is required to access the application, locking, by the mobile communications device, access to the application;   detecting, by the mobile communications device, an attempt to access the application;   in response to detecting the attempt to access the application, determining, by the mobile communications device, if the proximity security token is within a predefined distance of the mobile communications device by measuring signals emitted by the proximity security token;   in response to a determination that the proximity token is not within the predefined distance, not unlocking the application; and   in response to a determination that the proximity token is within the predefined distance requesting, by the mobile communications device, a unique identifier from the proximity security token, and   in response to obtaining the unique identifier from the proximity security token, unlocking, by the mobile communications device, the application.   
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18 , further comprising:
 determining if the proximity security token remains within the predefined distance of the mobile communications device;   in response to a determination that the proximity security token does not remain within the predefined distance of the mobile communications device, locking the application;   starting a timer for a set time period upon locking the application; and   determining, upon expiration of the timer, if the proximity security token is within the predefined distance.   
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19 , further comprising:
 in response to determining that the proximity security token is not within the predefined distance, wiping a portion of a memory of the mobile communications device.