Abstract:
An apparatus and security method are provided. The apparatus includes at least one communication interface and a controller. The controller is configured to discover, using the at least one communication interface, an external electronic device available for a communication connection with the apparatus, the discovering including receiving information from the external electronic device, adjust a security level for the apparatus based at least in part on the information, and control at least part of the apparatus using the adjusted security level.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
       [0001]    This is a continuation application of a prior U.S. patent application assigned Ser. No. 14/230,712 filed Mar. 31, 2014, which issues as U.S. Pat. No. 9,183,409 on Nov. 10, 2015, and which claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(a) of a Korean patent application filed on Jun. 4, 2013, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office and assigned Serial number 10-2013-0063946, the entire disclosure of each of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The present disclosure relates to a user device having a security function and an operating method thereof. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    At present, owing to the growth of electronic communication industries, user devices such as cellular phones, electronic schedulers, personal terminals, laptop computers, and the like are becoming necessities to modern society while being significant means for delivery of fast changing information. The user devices make users&#39; works convenient through a Graphical User Interface (GUI) environment using a touch screen and have come to provide various multimedia based on a web environment. Generally, the user devices provide personalized services, and are configured to operate with security. However, users are not currently provided with a method or apparatus for setting a security level corresponding to a surrounding environment. 
         [0004]    The above information is presented as background information only to assist with an understanding of the present disclosure. No determination has been made, and no assertion is made, as to whether any of the above might be applicable as prior art with regard to the present disclosure. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    Aspects of the present disclosure are to address at least the above-mentioned problems and/or disadvantages and to provide at least the advantages described below. Accordingly, an aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a method for setting a security level of a user device according to a surrounding environment. 
         [0006]    Another aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a method for setting a lock of a user device suitable to a security level. 
         [0007]    Another aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a method for setting a security level of a user device according to at least one item of information about an Access Point (AP). 
         [0008]    The above aspects are achieved by providing an electronic device and an operating method thereof. 
         [0009]    In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes at least one communication interface and a controller. The controller is configured to discover, using the at least one communication interface, an external electronic device available for a communication connection with the apparatus, the discovering including receiving information from the external electronic device, adjust a security level for the apparatus based at least in part on the information, and control at least part of the apparatus using the adjusted security level. 
         [0010]    In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, a method is provided. The method includes discovering, using at least one communication unit of an electronic device, an external electronic device available for a communication connection with the electronic device, the discovering including receiving information from the external electronic device, adjusting a security level for the electronic device based at least in part on the information, and controlling at least part of the electronic device using the adjusted security level. 
         [0011]    In accordance with yet another aspect of the present disclosure, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes at least one communication interface and a controller. The controller is configured to discover, using the at least one communication interface, a first external electronic device and a second external electronic device each available for a communication connection with the apparatus, set a first security level for the apparatus based on a determination that the communication connection is established between the apparatus and the first external electronic device, and set a second security level for the apparatus based on a determination that the communication connection is established between the apparatus and the second external electronic device. 
         [0012]    In accordance with still another aspect of the present disclosure, a method is provided. The method includes discovering, using at least one communication interface of an electronic device, a first external electronic device and a second external electronic device each available for a communication connection with the electronic device, setting a first security level for the electronic device based on a determination that the communication connection is established between the electronic device and the first external electronic device, and setting a second security level for the electronic device based on a determination that the communication connection is established between the electronic device and the second external electronic device. 
         [0013]    Other aspects, advantages, and salient features of the disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses various embodiments of the present disclosure. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0014]    The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of certain embodiments of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0015]      FIG. 1  is a block diagram illustrating a construction of a user device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0016]      FIG. 2  is a block diagram illustrating a construction of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0017]      FIG. 3  is a flowchart illustrating a security setting procedure of a user device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0018]      FIG. 4  is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of operation  303  of  FIG. 3  according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0019]      FIG. 5  is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of operation  303  of  FIG. 3  according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0020]      FIG. 6  is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of operation  303  of  FIG. 3  according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0021]      FIG. 7  is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of setting a use restriction level of an Access Point (AP) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0022]      FIGS. 8 ,  9 , and  10  are screens illustrating a procedure of setting a use restriction level of an AP according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0023]      FIGS. 11 ,  12 , and  13  are screens illustrating a procedure of setting a lock screen according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0024]      FIG. 14  is a flowchart illustrating an AP pairing procedure of a user device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0025]      FIG. 15  is a flowchart illustrating a security setting procedure of a user device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0026]      FIG. 16  is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of operation  1505  of  FIG. 15  according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0027]      FIG. 17  is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of operation  1505  of  FIG. 15  according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0028]      FIG. 18  is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of operation  1505  of  FIG. 15  according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0029]      FIG. 19  is a flowchart illustrating a security setting procedure of a user device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0030]      FIG. 20  is a flowchart illustrating a security setting procedure of a user device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0031]      FIG. 21  is a flowchart illustrating a security setting procedure of a user device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0032]      FIG. 22  is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of operation  2105  of  FIG. 21  according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and 
           [0033]      FIGS. 23 ,  24 , and  25  are diagrams illustrating lock screens according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
       
    
    
       [0034]    Throughout the drawings, it should be noted that like reference numbers are used to depict the same or similar elements, features, and structures. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0035]    The following description with reference to the accompanying drawings is provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of various embodiments of the present disclosure as defined by the claims and their equivalents. It includes various specific details to assist in that understanding but these are to be regarded as merely exemplary. Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications of the various embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. In addition, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions may be omitted for clarity and conciseness. 
         [0036]    The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to the bibliographical meanings, but, are merely used by the inventor to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of various embodiments of the present disclosure is provided for illustration purpose only and not for the purpose of limiting the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. 
         [0037]    It is to be understood that the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a component surface” includes reference to one or more of such surfaces. 
         [0038]      FIG. 1  is a block diagram illustrating a construction of a user device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         [0039]    The user device  100  may be one of an electronic device such as a mobile phone, a mobile pad, a media player, a tablet computer, a handheld computer, a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), and a digital camera. Also, the user device  100  may be any user device including a device combining two or more functions among these devices. 
         [0040]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , the user device  100  can include a processor  101 , a memory  103 , a speaker  104 , a microphone  105 , a camera  106 , a display  107 , a touch panel  108 , a sensor  109 , a Power Manager Integrated Circuit (PMIC)  110 , a battery  111 , a cellular antenna  112 , a Front End Module (FEM)  113 , a Wireless Connectivity (WC) antenna  114 , WC  115 , and a Radio Frequency Integrated Circuit (RFIC)  116 . 
         [0041]    The processor  101  controls the general operation of the user device  100 . The processor  101  performs a function of executing an Operating System (OS) and an application program of the user device  100  and controlling other parts and devices. The processor  101  can include an Application Processor (AP) for performing a key function of the entire system, a Communication Processor (CP) for performing communication, a Graphic Processing Unit (GPU) for processing 2-Dimensional (2D) and 3-Dimensional (3D) graphics, an Image Signal Processor (ISP) for taking charge of image signal processing, an Audio Signal Processor (ASP) for taking charge of voice signal processing, a memory semiconductor, a system interface, and the like. The processor  101  can be a System On Chip (SOC) in which various parts are integrated as one. 
         [0042]    The AP plays a brain role of the user device  100 , and can support a function of computation processing, a function of playing contents of various formats such as an audio, an image, a video, and the like, a graphic engine, and the like. The AP can drive an operating system applied to the user device  100 , various functions, and the like. The AP can perform a great number of functions of a core, a memory, a display system/controller, a multimedia encoding/decoding (CODEC), a 2D/3D accelerator engine, an Image Signal Processor (ISP), a camera, an audio, a modem, various high and low speed serial/parallel connectivity interfaces, and the like. The AP can execute various software programs (i.e., instruction sets) stored in the memory  103  to perform various functions of the user device  100 , and perform processing and control for voice communication, image communication, and data communication. The AP can execute software programs (i.e., instruction sets) stored in the memory  103  to perform various functions corresponding to the programs. The AP can be an SOC integrating all of a GPU, an ISP, an ASP, a memory semiconductor, and a system interface. 
         [0043]    The CP can perform voice communication and/or data communication, and can compress voice data and image data or decompress the compression thereof. The CP can be a baseband modem, a Baseband Processor (BP), or the like. The CP can be designed to operate through one of a Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) network, an Enhanced Data GSM Environment (EDGE) network, a Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) network, a Wireless-Code Division Multiple Access (W-CDMA) network, a Long Term Evolution (LTE) network, an Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) network, a WiFi network, a Wireless interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) network, and a BLUETOOTH network. 
         [0044]    The GPU can process computation related to graphics, and take charge of image information processing, acceleration, signal conversion, picture output, and the like. The GPU can solve a bottleneck phenomenon caused by a graphic work of the AP, and can process 2D or 3D graphics faster than the AP. 
         [0045]    The ISP can convert electrical signals (i.e., image data) from the camera  106 , into image signals. The ISP can change a color sense of the image data from the camera  106  into a format such as a real image, and can adjust brightness. The ISP can perform Automatic Exposure (AE), Automatic White-Balance (AWB) automatically adjusting a white balance according to a change of a color temperature of an incident light source, Automatic Focus (AF) automatically focusing a subject, and the like. The ISP can analyze a frequency component of the image data obtained from the camera  106 , and recognize a definition of an image to adjust an F-number of the iris of the camera  106  and a shutter speed. The ISP can temporarily store the image data from the camera  106  in the memory  103  (e.g., buffer memory). 
         [0046]    The ASP can process computation related to an audio, and can change an audio signal of a digital or analog form through an audio effect or effect unit. 
         [0047]    The memory  103  can store software related programs (i.e., instruction sets) executable by the aforementioned processors. The memory  103  can include high-speed random access memories and/or non-volatile memories such as one or more magnetic disk storage devices, one or more optical storage devices and/or flash memories (for example, Not AND (NAND) memories, Not OR (NOR) memories). A total of storage time of video data obtained from an image sensor can be proportional to an available capacity of the memory  103 . 
         [0048]    Software can include an OS program, a communication program, a camera program, a graphical program, one or more application programs, a user interface program, a CODEC program, a security program, and the like. The term of program may be expressed as a set of instructions or an instruction set. The OS program can use various functions of the communication program, the camera program, the graphical program, the one or more application programs, the user interface program, and the CODEC program through various Application Programming Interfaces (APIs). 
         [0049]    The OS program indicates an embedded operating system such as WINDOWS, LINUX, Darwin, RTXC, UNIX, OS X, or VxWorks, and can include various software constituent elements controlling general system operation. Control of the general system operation can include memory control and management, storage hardware (device) control and management, power control and management, and the like. Also, the OS program can perform a function of smoothing communication between various hardware (devices) and software constituent elements (programs). The communication program can enable communication with a computer, a server, a user device, and the like through the WC  115 , the RFIC  116 , or an external port. 
         [0050]    The camera program can include a camera related software constituent element enabling camera related processes and functions. Under support of an API such as Open Graphics Library (OpenGL), DirectX and the like, the camera program can perform preprocessing applying various effects to an image from the image sensor of the camera  106  and postprocessing applying various effects to a captured snap image. If video data from the camera  106  reaches a transmission capacity (e.g., an available capacity of the memory  103  or a capacity of the buffer memory), the camera program can convert the video data into a video file, and transmit the converted video file to an external storage (e.g., a server, an external memory, or the like). 
         [0051]    The graphical program can include various software constituent elements for providing and displaying graphics on the display  107 . The graphical program can create graphics based on an API such as OpenGL, DirectX, and the like, and can provide various filters capable of applying various effects to an image. The term of graphics indicates a text, a web page, an icon, a digital image, a video, an animation, and the like. The graphical program can be an image viewer, an image edit program and the like adapting usability to postprocessing an image, and can be a camera related program, a video call related program, and the like optimized to preprocessing an image. The graphical program can perform postprocessing applying various effects to a rendering-completed image, or perform preprocessing applying various effects for an image. Filters for these effects can be collectively managed such that they can be used commonly to other programs as aforementioned. 
         [0052]    The application program can include a browser, an electronic mail (e-mail), an instant message, word processing, keyboard emulation, an address book, a touch list, a widget, Digital Right Management (DRM), voice recognition, voice replication, a position determining function, a location based service, and the like. The user interface program can include various software constituent elements related to a user interface. The user interface program can include information about how a state of the user interface is changed, whether the change of the state of the user interface is carried out in which condition, and the like. 
         [0053]    The CODEC program can include a software constituent element related to encoding and decoding of a video file. 
         [0054]    The security program can pair with an AP, obtain at least one item of information about the AP, and set a security level according to the at least one item of information. The security program can set a lock of the user device according to the security level. The security program can release the lock of the user device according to the security level or maintain the lock of the user device or change the lock of the user device into other schemes. When a use restriction on the AP has been set, the security program can set the security level high and, when the use restriction on the AP has not been set, the security program can set the security level low. When a use restriction level set to the AP is high, the security program can set the security level high and, when the use restriction level set to the AP is low, the security program can set the security level low. When an encryption scheme (e.g., a password) for pairing with the AP has been set, the security program can decrease the security level and, when the encryption scheme for pairing with the AP has not been set, the security program can increase the security level. According to the coincidence or non-coincidence of a password for pairing with the AP with a password for releasing the lock of the user device, the security program can adjust the security level. On the basis of an RF signal of the AP, the security program can determine a Received Signal Strength Indication (RSSI). When the RSSI exceeds a threshold value, the security program can set the security level low and, when the RSSI does not exceed the threshold value, the security program can set the security level high. When a current location of the user device is included in an area set to the AP, the security program may set the security level low and, when the current location is not included in the area set to the AP, the security program may set the security level high. When a current time belongs to a time zone set to the AP, the security program may set the security level low and, when the current time does not belong to the time zone set to the AP, the security program may set the security level high. 
         [0055]    Besides the aforementioned programs, the memory  103  can further include additional programs (instructions). Also, various functions of the user device  100  can be executed by hardware and/or software and/or a combination thereof, which may include one or more of stream processing and Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs). 
         [0056]    The speaker  104  can convert electrical signals into audible frequency band signals and output the audible frequency band signals. The microphone  105  can convert sound waves forwarded from human or other sound sources into electrical signals. 
         [0057]    The camera  106  can convert light reflected from a camera target into electrical signals. The camera  106  can include an image sensor such as a Charged Coupled Device (CCD), a Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor (CMOS), or the like. The image sensor can perform a camera function of photo and video clip recording and the like. According to a camera program executed by the AP of the processor  101 , the image sensor can change a hardware construction, for example, move a lens and adjust an F-number of the iris, and the like. 
         [0058]    The display  107  can output electrical signals as visual information (e.g., a text, a graphic, a video, and the like). The display  107  may be one of an Electro Wetting Display (EWD), an Electronic paper (E-paper), a Plasma Display Panel (PDP), a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), an Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED), and an Active Matrix OLED (AMOLED). 
         [0059]    The touch panel  108  can receive a touch input. The touch panel  108  may be one of a digitizer for stylus pen, a capacitive overlay touch panel, a resistance overlay touch panel, a surface acoustic wave touch panel, an infrared beam touch panel, and the like. 
         [0060]    The sensor  109  can sense or distinguish and measure a physical quantity of heat, light, temperature, pressure, sound, position, or the like, or a change thereof. The sensor  109  can include a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an optical sensor, an acoustic sensor, a capacitance sensor, a Global Positioning System (GPS) sensor, and the like. 
         [0061]    The PMIC  110  can adjust power from the battery  111 . For example, the processor  101  can transmit an interface signal dependent on a load to process, to the PMIC  110 . Adaptively to the processor  101 , the PMIC  110  can adjust a core voltage supplied to the processor  101 , so the processor  101  can be driven all the time at a minimum power. The PMIC  110  can be constructed in relation to at least one of the WC  115 , the memory  103 , the speaker  104 , the microphone  105 , the camera  106 , the display  107 , the touch panel  108 , etc., as well as the processor  101 . One integrated PMIC is constructed, and the integrated PMIC may adjust a battery power related to at least one of the aforementioned constituent elements as well as the processor  101 . 
         [0062]    The FEM  113  can be a transmitting/receiving device capable of controlling an electric wave signal. The FEM  113  can connect the cellular antenna  112  and the RFIC  116  and divide transmission/reception signals. The FEM  113  can play a role of filtering and amplification. The FEM  113  may include a reception end FEM which embeds a filter filtering a reception signal, and a transmission end FEM which embeds a Power Amplifier Module (PAM) amplifying a transmission signal. 
         [0063]    The WC  115  can perform various communication functions that the processor  101  does not process, for example, WiFi, BLUETOOTH, Near Field Communication (NFC), Universal Serial Bus (USB), GPS, and the like. 
         [0064]    The RFIC (e.g., RF transceiver)  116  can receive an electric wave from a base station, and modulate a received high frequency into a low frequency (i.e., baseband frequency) such that the modem (e.g., the CP) can process the low frequency. The RFIC  116  can modulate a low frequency processed in the modem into a high frequency for transmission to the base station. 
         [0065]      FIG. 2  is a block diagram illustrating a construction of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         [0066]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , the user device (e.g., electronic device  100 ) may include the processor  101  including a search module  210 , an acquisition module  220 , a security setting module  230 , a lock module  240 , a pairing module  250 , and a display module  260 . 
         [0067]    The search module  210  can search for a network or an AP that can pair with the user device  100 . 
         [0068]    The acquisition module  220  can obtain at least one item of information about the network or AP searched by the search module  210 . The at least one item of information about the AP may include use restriction information (e.g., a use restriction or not, or a use restriction level), RSSI, a location of the user device  100 , a current time, previous pairing or non-pairing with the AP, a password for pairing with the AP, and the like. The acquisition module  220  may obtain the aforementioned information using the sensor  109 . 
         [0069]    According to the at least one item of information obtained by the acquisition module  220 , the security setting module  230  can set a security level of the user device  100 . 
         [0070]    The lock module  240  can set lock of the user device suitable to the security level set by the security setting module  230 . The lock module  240  can set a lock scheme suitable to the security level set by the security setting module  230 . The lock scheme can be a lock using a password, a touch pattern, biometric recognition, or the like. When the security level is low, the lock module  240  can release the lock of the user device and, when the security level is high, the lock module  240  can execute the lock of the user device. When the security level is low, the lock module  240  can maintain an existing lock scheme (e.g., a password) and when the security level is high, the lock module  240  can change the lock scheme (e.g., the password) into other lock schemes of higher security (e.g., biometric recognition). 
         [0071]    The pairing module  250  can pair with the AP searched by the search module  210 . According to the at least one information obtained by the acquisition module  220 , the pairing module  250  can set pairing with the AP. The at least one item of information may include one or more of the RSSI, a previous pairing or non-pairing with the AP, the location of the user device  100 , the current time, and the like. 
         [0072]    The display module  260  can display the result processed by the search module  210 , the acquisition module  220 , the security setting module  230 , and the pairing module  250 . 
         [0073]      FIG. 3  is a flowchart illustrating a security setting procedure of a user device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         [0074]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , in operation  301 , the processor  101  (e.g., the pairing module  250 ) can perform pairing with an AP. 
         [0075]    In operation  303 , the processor  101  (e.g., the security setting module  230 ) can set a security level of the user device according to a use restriction level set at the AP. The use restriction level set at the AP can be obtained by the acquisition module  220 . 
         [0076]    In operation  305 , the processor  101  (e.g., the lock module  250 ) can set a lock of the user device according to the security level. The processor  101  can set a lock scheme (e.g., a password, a touch pattern, biometric recognition, or the like) suitable to the security level, to the user device. When the security level is low, the processor  101  can release the lock of the user device, and when the security level is high, the processor  101  can execute the lock of the user device. When the security level is low, the processor  101  can maintain an existing lock scheme (e.g., a password), and when the security level is high, the processor  101  can change the previously used lock scheme (e.g., the password) into a lock scheme of higher security (e.g., biometric recognition). 
         [0077]      FIG. 4  is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of operation  303  of  FIG. 3  according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         [0078]    Referring to  FIG. 4 , in operation  401 , the processor  101  (e.g., the security setting module  230 ) can determine whether a use restriction level set at an AP is high or low. 
         [0079]    If the use restriction level set at the AP is high, in operation  403 , the processor  101  (e.g., the security setting module  230 ) can set the security level high. 
         [0080]    If the use restriction level set at the AP is low, in operation  405 , the processor  101  (e.g., the security setting module  230 ) can set the security level low. 
         [0081]      FIG. 5  is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of operation  303  of  FIG. 3  according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         [0082]    Referring to  FIG. 5 , in operation  501 , the processor  101  (e.g., the security setting module  230 ) can identify whether it is an AP set to a safety zone. 
         [0083]    If it is the AP set to the safety zone, in operation  503 , the processor  101  (e.g., the security setting module  230 ) can set the security level low. 
         [0084]    If it is the AP not set to the safety zone, in operation  505 , the processor  101  (e.g., the security setting module  230 ) can set the security level high. 
         [0085]      FIG. 6  is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of operation  303  of  FIG. 3  according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         [0086]    Referring to  FIG. 6 , in operation  601 , the processor  101  (e.g., the security setting module  230 ) can identify whether it is an AP set to a secure area. 
         [0087]    If it is the AP set to the secure area, in operation  603 , the processor  101  (e.g., the security setting module  230 ) can set the security level high. 
         [0088]    If it is the AP not set to the secure area, in operation  605 , the processor  101  (e.g., the security setting module  230 ) can set the security level low. 
         [0089]      FIG. 7  is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of setting a use restriction level of an AP according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         [0090]    Referring to  FIG. 7 , in operation  701 , the processor  101  (e.g., the search module  210 ) can search at least one pairable AP. 
         [0091]    In operation  703 , the processor  101  (e.g., the display module  260 ) can display an icon corresponding to the searched at least one AP. 
         [0092]    According to the selection of the icon, in operation  705 , the processor  101  (e.g., the display module  260 ) can display a menu for selecting a use restriction level of the AP. 
         [0093]    According to the selection of the use restriction level of the AP, in operation  707 , the processor  101  (e.g., the security setting module  230 ) can set the use restriction level to the AP. 
         [0094]      FIGS. 8 to 10  are screens illustrating a procedure of setting a use restriction level of an AP according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         [0095]    Referring to  FIG. 8 , the user device  100  can search at least one AP pairable with the user device  100 , and display icons  803  corresponding to the searched at least one AP. If a user selects an icon  805  among the icons  803 , the user device  100  can provide a screen of  FIG. 9  or  FIG. 10 . 
         [0096]    Referring to  FIG. 9 , according to the selection of the icon  805 , the user device  100  can display a menu  901  for selecting a use restriction level of the AP. For example, the menu  901  can include an icon  903  indicating a secure area and an icon  905  indicating an insecure area. If the user selects one of the icon  903  indicating the secure area and the icon  905  indicating the insecure area, the user device  100  can set a use restriction level corresponding to the selected icon, to the AP. 
         [0097]    Referring to  FIG. 10 , according to the selection of the icon  805 , the user device  100  can display a menu  1001  for selecting a use restriction level of the AP. For example, the menu  1001  can display icons (e.g., low, average, and high) divided by use restriction level. 
         [0098]    Although not illustrated, according to icon selection, the user device  100  may display a menu for enabling the user to set use information about the AP, for example, an area, a time zone, or the like. 
         [0099]      FIGS. 11 to 13  are screens illustrating a procedure of setting a lock screen according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         [0100]    Referring to  FIG. 11 , the user device  100  can display an icon  1101  for execution of lock screen option. If a user selects the icon  1101 , the user device  100  can provide a screen of  FIG. 12 . 
         [0101]    Referring to  FIG. 12 , according to the execution of the lock screen option, the user device  100  can display an icon  1201  indicating safety zone WiFi and an icon  1203  indicating secure area WiFi. If the user selects one of the icon  1201  indicating the safety zone WiFi and the icon  1203  indicating the secure area WiFi, the user device  100  can provide a screen of  FIG. 13 . 
         [0102]    Referring to  FIG. 13 , according to the selection of the icon  1201  or  1203 , the user device  100  can set a lock level of the user device  100  on the basis of an AP to which a use restriction (e.g., a safety zone or secure area) is preset, and can display status information  1303  in a status display bar  1301 . 
         [0103]      FIG. 14  is a flowchart illustrating an AP pairing procedure of a user device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         [0104]    Referring to  FIG. 14 , in operation  1401 , the processor  101  (e.g., the search module  210 ) can search an AP. 
         [0105]    In operation  1403 , the processor  101  (e.g., the acquisition module  220 ) can acquire at least one item of information about the searched AP. The at least one item of information about the AP can include an RSSI, a location of the user device, a current time, a previous pairing or non-pairing with the AP, and the like. 
         [0106]    In operation  1405 , according to the acquired at least one item of information, the processor  101  (e.g., the pairing module  250 ) can set pairing or non-pairing with the AP. If the RSSI exceeds a threshold value, the processor  101  can pair with the AP. If the location of the user device is included in an area set to the AP, the processor  101  can pair with the AP. If the current time is included in a time zone set to the AP, the processor  101  can pair with the AP. If the AP has ever been paired previously, the processor  101  can pair with the AP. If the acquired at least one item of information is equal to or greater than a reference with information set to the AP, the processor  101  can pair with the AP. 
         [0107]      FIG. 15  is a flowchart illustrating a security setting procedure of a user device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         [0108]    Referring to  FIG. 15 , in operation  1501 , the processor  101  (e.g., the pairing module  250 ) can pair with an AP. By performing the aforementioned procedure of  FIG. 14 , the processor  101  can pair with the AP. 
         [0109]    In operation  1503 , the processor  101  (e.g., the acquisition module  220 ) can acquire at least one item of information about the AP. The at least one item of information about the AP can include use restriction information (e.g., a use restriction or not, or a use restriction level), an RSSI, a location of the user device, a current time, a previous pairing or non-pairing with the AP, a password necessary for pairing with the AP, and the like. 
         [0110]    In operation  1505 , according to the at least one item of information, the processor  101  (e.g., the security setting module  230 ) can set a security level. For example, if a use restriction on the AP is set (e.g., a secure area), the processor  101  can set the security level high and, if the use restriction on the AP is not set (e.g., a safety zone), the processor  101  can set the security level low. If a user restriction level of the AP is set high, the processor  101  can set the security level high, and if the use restriction level of the AP is set low, the processor  1101  can set the security level low. 
         [0111]    In operation  1507 , the processor  101  (e.g., the lock module  250 ) can set a lock of the user device according to the security level. The processor  101  can set a lock scheme (e.g., a password, a touch pattern, biometric recognition, or the like) suitable to the security level, to the user device. When the security level is low, the processor  101  can release the lock of the user device, and when the security level is high, the processor  101  can execute the lock of the user device. When the security level is low, the processor  101  can maintain an existing lock scheme (e.g., a password), and when the security level is high, the processor  101  can change the previously used lock scheme (e.g., the password) into a lock scheme of higher security (e.g., biometric recognition). 
         [0112]      FIG. 16  is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of operation  1505  of  FIG. 15  according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         [0113]    Referring to  FIG. 16 , in operation  1601 , the processor  101  (e.g., the security setting module  230 ) can identify if a use restriction on an AP has been set. 
         [0114]    If the use restriction on the AP has been set, in operation  1603 , the processor  101  (e.g., the security setting module  230 ) can identify whether an RSSI exceeds a threshold value. The RSSI can be obtained by the acquisition module  220 . 
         [0115]    If the RSSI exceeds the threshold value, in operation  1605 , the processor  101  (e.g., the security setting module  230 ) can set a security level low. 
         [0116]    If the RSSI does not exceed the threshold value, in operation  1607 , the processor  101  (e.g., the security setting module  230 ) can set the security level high. 
         [0117]      FIG. 17  is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of operation  1505  of  FIG. 15  according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         [0118]    Referring to  FIG. 17 , in operation  1701 , the processor  101  (e.g., the security setting module  230 ) can identify if a use restriction on an AP has been set. 
         [0119]    If the use restriction on the AP has been set, in operation  1703 , the processor  101  (e.g., the security setting module  230 ) can identify if a location of a user device belongs to an area set to the AP. The acquisition module  220  can obtain the location of the user device using the sensor  109 . 
         [0120]    If the location of the user device belongs to the area set to the AP, in operation  1705 , the processor  101  (e.g., the security setting module  230 ) can set a security level low. 
         [0121]    If the location of the user device does not belong to the area set to the AP, in operation  1707 , the processor  101  (e.g., the security setting module  230 ) can set the security level high. 
         [0122]      FIG. 18  is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of operation  1505  of  FIG. 15  according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         [0123]    Referring to  FIG. 18 , in operation  1801 , the processor  101  (e.g., the security setting module  230 ) can identify if a use restriction on an AP has been set. 
         [0124]    If the use restriction on the AP has been set, in operation  1803 , the processor  101  (e.g., the security setting module  230 ) can identify if a current time belongs to a time zone set to the AP. 
         [0125]    If the current time belongs to the time zone set to the AP, in operation  1805 , the processor  101  (e.g., the security setting module  230 ) can set a security level low. 
         [0126]    If the current time does not belong to the time zone set to the AP, in operation  1807 , the processor  101  (e.g., the security setting module  230 ) can set the security level high. 
         [0127]      FIG. 19  is a flowchart illustrating a security setting procedure of a user device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         [0128]    Referring to  FIG. 19 , in operation  1901 , the processor  101  (e.g., the search module  210 ) can search an AP pairable with the user device. 
         [0129]    In operation  1903 , the processor  101  (e.g., the security setting module  230 ) can identify if a use restriction on the AP has been set. This information can be obtained by the acquisition module  220 . 
         [0130]    If the use restriction on the AP has not been set, in operation  1911 , the processor  101  (e.g., the pairing module  250 ) can pair with the AP. 
         [0131]    If the use restriction on the AP has been set, in operation  1905 , the processor  101  (e.g., the security setting module  230 ) can identify if there is previous pairing information with the AP. This information can be obtained by the acquisition module  220 . 
         [0132]    If there is the previous pairing information with the AP, in operation  1907 , the processor  101  (e.g., the pairing module  250 ) can pair with the AP. 
         [0133]    In operation  1909 , the processor (e.g., the security setting module  230 ) can set a security level high. 
         [0134]    If there is not the previous pairing information with the AP, in operation  1913 , the processor  101  (e.g., the security setting module  230 ) can identify whether an encryption scheme (e.g., a password) for pairing with the AP has been set. This information can be obtained by the acquisition module  220 . 
         [0135]    If the password for pairing with the AP has been set, in operation  1915 , the processor  101  (e.g., the security setting module  230 ) can set the security level low. 
         [0136]    If the password for pairing with the AP has not been set, in operation  1909 , the processor  101  (e.g., the security setting module  230 ) can set the security level high. 
         [0137]      FIG. 20  is a flowchart illustrating a security setting procedure of a user device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         [0138]    Referring to  FIG. 20 , in operation  2001 , the processor  101  (e.g., the search module  210 ) can search an AP pairable with the user device. 
         [0139]    In operation  2003 , the processor  101  (e.g., the security setting module  230 ) can identify if a use restriction on the AP has been set. This information can be obtained by the acquisition module  220 . 
         [0140]    If the use restriction on the AP has not been set, in operation  2013  the processor  101  (e.g., the pairing module  250 ) can pair with the AP. 
         [0141]    If the use restriction on the AP has been set, in operation  2005 , the processor  101  (e.g., the security setting module  230 ) can identify if there is previous pairing information with the AP. This information can be obtained by the acquisition module  220 . 
         [0142]    If there is the previous pairing information with the AP, in operation  2007 , the processor  101  (e.g., the pairing module  250 ) can pair with the AP. 
         [0143]    In operation  2009 , the processor (e.g., the security setting module  230 ) can identify if an RSSI exceeds a threshold value. The RSSI can be measured by the acquisition module  220 . 
         [0144]    If the RSSI exceeds the threshold value, in operation  2011 , the processor  101  (e.g., the securing setting module  230 ) can set a security level low. 
         [0145]    If the RSSI does not exceed the threshold value, in operation  2017 , the processor  101  (e.g., the securing setting module  230 ) can set the security level high. 
         [0146]    If there is not the previous pairing information with the AP, in operation  2015 , the processor  101  (e.g., the security setting module  230 ) can identify whether a password for pairing with the AP has been set. The password necessary for pairing with the AP can be obtained by the acquisition module  220 . 
         [0147]    If the password for pairing with the AP has been set, in operation  2011 , the processor  101  (e.g., the security setting module  230 ) can set the security level low. 
         [0148]    If the password for pairing with the AP has not been set, in operation  2017 , the processor  101  (e.g., the security setting module  230 ) can set the security level high. 
         [0149]      FIG. 21  is a flowchart illustrating a security setting procedure of a user device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         [0150]    Referring to  FIG. 21 , in operation  2101 , the processor  101  (e.g., the pairing module  250 ) can pair with a network. 
         [0151]    In operation  2103 , the processor  101  (e.g., the acquisition module  220 ) can acquire at least one item of information about the network. The at least one item of information about the network can include use restriction information (e.g., a use restriction or not, or a use restriction level) about the network, an RSSI, a location of the user device, a current time, a previous pairing or non-pairing with the network, a password necessary for pairing with the network, and the like. 
         [0152]    In operation  2105 , according to the at least one item of information, the processor  101  (e.g., the security setting module  230 ) can set a security level. For example, if a user restriction level of the network is set high, the processor  101  can set the security level high and, if the use restriction level of the network is set low, the processor  1101  can set the security level low. 
         [0153]    In operation  2107 , the processor  101  (e.g., the lock module  250 ) can set a lock of the user device according to the security level. The processor  101  can set a lock scheme (e.g., a password, a touch pattern, biometric recognition, or the like) suitable to the security level, to the user device. When the security level is low, the processor  101  can release the lock of the user device, and when the security level is high, the processor  101  can execute the lock of the user device. When the security level is low, the processor  101  can maintain an existing lock scheme (e.g., a password), and when the security level is high, the processor  101  can change the previously used lock scheme (e.g., the password) into a lock scheme of higher security (e.g., biometric recognition). 
         [0154]      FIG. 22  is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of operation  2105  of  FIG. 21  according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         [0155]    Referring to  FIG. 22 , in operation  2201 , the processor  101  (e.g., the security setting module  230 ) can identify if a use restriction on a network has been set. 
         [0156]    If the use restriction on the network has been set, in operation  2203 , the processor  101  (e.g., the security setting module  230 ) can identify if a password set for lock of the user device  100  coincides with a password necessary for pairing with the network. 
         [0157]    If the password set for the lock of the user device  100  does not coincide with the password necessary for pairing with the network, in operation  2207 , the processor  101  (e.g., the security setting module  230 ) can set a security level low. 
         [0158]    If the password set for the lock of the user device  100  coincides with the password necessary for pairing with the network, in operation  2205 , the processor  101  (e.g., the security setting module  230 ) can set the security level high. 
         [0159]      FIGS. 23 to 25  are diagrams illustrating lock screens according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The user device  100  can provide a lock screen suitable to a security level that is set to the user device  100 . 
         [0160]    Referring to  FIG. 23 , the user device  100  can provide a lock screen of a touch pattern scheme. If a user inputs a touch pattern joining predefined pointers together through touch and drag operations, the user device  100  can release the lock of the user device  100 . 
         [0161]    Referring to  FIG. 24 , the user device  100  can provide a lock screen of a password scheme. If the user inputs a correct password to the user device  100 , the user device  100  can release the lock of the user device  100 . 
         [0162]    Referring to  FIG. 25 , the user device  100  can provide a lock screen of a Personal Identification Number (PIN) scheme. If the user inputs a correct PIN, the user device  100  can release lock of the user device  100 . 
         [0163]    Though not illustrated, the user device  100  may provide a lock screen using biometric recognition (e.g., voice recognition, fingerprint recognition, iris recognition, face recognition, or the like). 
         [0164]    As described above, a user device can set a security level high or low according to at least one information (e.g., use restriction information) on an AP pairing with the user device. The user device provides a lock scheme (e.g., password, biometric recognition, or the like) suitable to the security level, and adjusts the security level for use of wireless communication through the paired AP, thereby being able to satisfy a user&#39;s convenience. 
         [0165]    According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, respective modules can be configured by software, firmware, hardware or a combination thereof. Also, some or all of the modules may be constructed in one entity, and can identically perform a function of each module. According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, respective operations can be executed sequentially, repeatedly, or in parallel. Also, some of the operations can be omitted or other operations can be added and executed. For example, the respective operations can be executed by corresponding modules described in the present disclosure. 
         [0166]    Methods according to various embodiments disclosed in the claims and/or specification of the present disclosure can be implemented in a form of hardware, software, or a combination of the hardware and the software, for a general purpose or a specialized processor to be configured to execute an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         [0167]    In a case of implementing in the software form, a computer readable storage medium storing one or more programs (i.e., software modules) may be provided. One or more programs stored in the computer readable storage medium are executable by one or more processors within an electronic device. The one or more programs may include instructions for enabling the electronic device to execute the methods according to the various embodiments disclosed in the claims and/or specification of the present disclosure. 
         [0168]    These programs (i.e., software modules or software) can be stored in a Random Access Memory (RAM), a nonvolatile memory including a flash memory, a Read Only Memory (ROM), an Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM (EEPROM), a magnetic disk storage device, a Compact Disk ROM (CD-ROM), a Digital Versatile Disk (DVD) or an optical storage device of other form, and a magnetic cassette. Or, the programs can be stored in a memory configured by a combination of some or all of the foregoing. Also, each configuration memory may be plural in number. 
         [0169]    Also, the programs can be stored in an attachable storage device accessible to the electronic device through a communication network such as the Internet, an intranet, a Local Area Network (LAN), a Wireless LAN (WLAN) and a Storage Area Network (SAN), or a communication network configured by a combination of the foregoing. This storage device can access the electronic device through an external port. 
         [0170]    Also, a separate storage device on a communication network may access a portable electronic device. 
         [0171]    While the present disclosure has been shown and described with reference to various embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.