Secure Communications between a Smart Device and an External Network

Abstract

Methods, apparati, and computer readable media for enabling a Smart Device ( 102 ) to securely validate an incoming message emanating from an external source ( 906 ). A method embodiment comprises the steps of a SPARC Internet Security Corporation (SISC 900 ) verifying ( 912 ) that the incoming message contains a pre-stored validity identifier ( 901 ). When the incoming message contains the correct validity identifier ( 901 ), SISC ( 900 ) appends ( 914 ) a SSD Unsolicited Transaction Identifier (SSD UT ID) to the message. The SSD UT ID comprises a unique security device ( 104 ) identifier and an optional message count. SISC ( 900 ) then sends ( 915 ) the message and the SSD UT ID to the Smart Device 102 . The security device ( 104 ) is a device separate and apart from the Smart Device ( 102 ), and works in conjunction with the Smart Device ( 102 ) to securely process Smart Device ( 102 ) transactions, without the need for encryption, PINs, or passwords. In an embodiment of the invention, Smart Device ( 102 ) is not allowed to communicate directly with external networks ( 506 ), but rather must do so via SSD ( 104 ). This removes the security burden from Smart Device ( 102 ), speeding and simplifying transactions.

1 . A smart device configured to communicate and operate with a security device; wherein:
 the smart device is not able to send or receive messages to external networks other than through the security device; and   the security device is adapted to communicate with external networks directly.   
     
     
         2 . A method for allowing a smart device to communicate with external networks, said method comprising the steps of:
 the smart device composing a message and sending the message to an associated security device; and   the security device sending the message to the external network on behalf of the smart device.   
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2  wherein the security device, upon receiving the message from the smart device, alerts a user of the security device regarding the pending outgoing message; and
 said user must take affirmative action before said pending outgoing message can be relayed to the external network. 
 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 2  wherein the security device, upon receiving from the external network a message addressed to the smart device, alerts a user of the security device regarding the pending incoming message; and
 said user must take affirmative action before said pending incoming message will be released to said device.