Patent Abstract:
A method or system for providing a level of data security dependent on the location of the user of a wireless device is disclosed. One exemplary embodiment relates to a method of adjusting security for a network user node in communication with a network based upon the location of the node. The method is performed by determining the location of a network user node, selecting a single level of security from a group of more than two security levels based on the determined location, and modifying the security protection for the network user node based upon the selected level of security.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 10/053,013, filed Jan. 18, 2002, entitled “LOCATION BASED SECURITY MODIFICATION SYSTEM AND METHOD,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND  
       [0002]     The disclosure relates generally to the field of wireless communication. More particularly, the disclosure relates to a method or system for providing a level of data security dependent on the location of the user of a wireless device.  
         [0003]     Wireless networks, in general, have grown in both capability and use. More and more people rely on wireless devices in their professional and personal lives. Professionals often rely on wireless devices to have instant access to information while they are away from the office. Professionals use wireless devices to access email, calendars, contact lists, a company intranet, web-enabled applications, business and local news, and other information. Individuals often use wireless devices to stay in touch with friends and family and to access information which may aid them in their daily activities.  
         [0004]     As people use wireless networks more, they are also more frequently storing and accessing sensitive data on portable devices and/or over wireless networks. This information can include personal information, financial information, or company confidential information. The information can either be stored on the remote portable device or it can be stored on a server and accessed using the remote portable device over a wireless network. Both the device and the transmission can be susceptible to interference, interception, or tampering.  
         [0005]     A wide number of various techniques have evolved to try and protect the data that is stored on handheld devices and transmitted over wireless networks. Examples of the techniques include: authentication, authorization, encryption, and data integrity verification. Authentication refers to verification of the identity of a person or process from which a message, data request, or access request originates. Authorization refers to the process of determining what functionality or access to information is available to that particular person or process. Encryption refers to encoding information in such a manner such that the information is not decipherable by someone intercepting the information. Data integrity attempts to ensure that the data has not been modified or damaged during a transmission.  
         [0006]     Unfortunately, providing security has costs associated with it. Generally in a network, data is sent in discrete units called “packets”. Packets of data are generally required to be of fixed size by most current network protocols. If the data is being transmitted from a remote location, security information may be required on every packet sent and received from a handheld device. This allows less space for data in each individual packet. Thus, filling packets with security information has the effect of reducing the effective transmission rate. This reduction is especially noticeable on a wireless network where the transmission rates are already vastly slower compared to a wired network.  
         [0007]     Even if data is not being sent over a remote network, providing security has costs. Authentication and authorization can require the user to enter a password every time the data needs to be accessed. The data will remain unlocked for a period of time, but security can require that the data be locked again after a period of time or on the happening of an event such as shutting off the handheld device. Encryption requires that the data be organized such that it is not normally readable. Unfortunately, this process takes time, and prior to accessing the information, the data must be decrypted. And then again, after the access is complete, the data must be re-encrypted.  
         [0008]     Albeit security is important to protect information, especially sensitive information such as credit card numbers, financial information, or corporate proprietary information, however, the absolute highest level of security is not necessary at all times. For example, when in a shopping mall, it may be useful to be able to access personalized shopping information with only minimal security. Also, while the user is at the office, there may be no reason to provide heavy security for company proprietary information.  
         [0009]     Accordingly, there is a need for a method or system for providing different levels of security for different subsets of data based on the location of a portable network node or portable electronic device. There is also an increased need to protect the data transmissions and the devices from any or all of interference, interception, and or tampering.  
         [0010]     It would be desirable to provide a system and/or method that provides one or more of these or other advantageous features. Other features and advantages will be made apparent from the present specification. The teachings disclosed extend to those embodiments which fall within the scope of the appended claims, regardless of whether they accomplish one or more of the aforementioned needs.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0011]     One exemplary embodiment relates to a method of adjusting security for a network user node in communication with a network based upon the location of the node. The method is performed by determining the location of a network user node, selecting a single level of security from a group of more than two security levels based on the determined location, and modifying the security protection for the network user node based upon the selected level of security.  
         [0012]     Another exemplary embodiment relates to a computer system for modifying security settings for a network user node based on the location of the node. The computer system includes a location sensing device having a communicative coupling with the system for determining the location of a network user node, a storage device for storing a table of security modifications to be performed according to one of a plurality of locations for the network user node, the security modifications including more than two levels, a processor coupled to a storage device for processing information, storing the information on a storage device, and generating a security modification instruction, and a communication device capable of transmitting a data signal to the network user node containing instructions to modify the security protection for the node.  
         [0013]     Another exemplary embodiment relates to a method of adjusting security for a network user node having a processor, a memory coupled to the processor, a wireless transceiver, and a location determining device in communication with a network based upon the location of the node. The method includes receiving location information using a network user node, and using the network user node to modify security protection for data to a single level from a group of more than two levels based upon the location information.  
         [0014]     Another exemplary embodiment relates to a system implemented on a network user node for modifying security settings based on the location of the node. The system includes a system for determining the location of the network user node coupled to the network user node, a processor for processing information, storing information on a storage device, and accessing a table of security modification instructions, the table including more than two unique security modifications, and a storage device coupled to the network user node for storing a table of security modifications to be performed based on a plurality of locations for the network user node. Alternative exemplary embodiments relate to other features and combination of features as may be generally recited in the claims. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0015]     The invention is illustrated by way of example and not limitation using the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which the references indicate similar elements and in which:  
         [0016]      FIG. 1A  is a general block diagram of a network user node in communication with a wireless network in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;  
         [0017]      FIG. 1B  is a general block diagram of a network user node with an associated location sensor system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;  
         [0018]      FIG. 1C  is a general block diagram of a network user node in communication over a wireless network using wireless access points;  
         [0019]      FIG. 2  is a flow diagram illustrating a process of using the location of a network user node to set security levels;  
         [0020]      FIG. 3A  is an exemplary embodiment of a table showing security level settings indexed by location;  
         [0021]      FIG. 3B  is an exemplary embodiment of a record stored in the table shown in  FIG. 3A . 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0022]     A system and method for using location information to change security settings for a mobile network node is described. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a through understanding of exemplary embodiments of the invention. It will be evident, however, to one skilled in the art that the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, structures and devices are shown in block diagram form to facilitate description of the exemplary embodiments.  
         [0023]      FIG. 1A  is a general block diagram  100  of a network user node  110  (or multiple network user nodes  110 ) in communication over a wireless network  120  with a remote computing system  130  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. In an exemplary embodiment, remote computing system  130  is associated with a location sensing system  140 .  
         [0024]     Network user node  110  can be a handheld computer, a handheld personal digital assistant, a laptop computer, a wireless cellular digital phone, a pager, or any other such device. Network user node  110  can be communicatively coupled to a wired or wireless network  120 .  
         [0025]     In an exemplary embodiment wireless network  120  is the Internet. In alternative embodiments, wireless network  120  is any type of network such as, a virtual private network, an intranet, an Ethernet, or a netware network. Further, wireless network  120  can include a configuration, such as, a wireless network, a wide area network (WAN) or a local area network (LAN).  
         [0026]     Remote computing system  130  can be any computing system including a central processing unit (CPU), a storage device, and a communication system. Remote computing system  130  can be communicatively coupled to location sensing system  140 . The communication between remote computing system  130  and location sensing system  140  can be achieved over a standard wired network, a wireless network, or any other communication system.  
         [0027]     Location sensing system  140  can include a global positioning satellite system (GPS), an access node triangulation system, an access point sensing system, or any other system capable of detecting the location of network user node  110 . Location sensing system  140  includes a communication system to transmit the location information to remote computing system  130 .  
         [0028]      FIG. 1B  is a general block diagram  101  of network user node  110  with associated location sensor system  140  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Diagram  101  illustrates an alternative embodiment, wherein network user node  110  is directly associated with location sensing system  140 . In an exemplary embodiment location sensing system  140  is a GPS system. Location sensing system  140  can be any system capable of determining location and sending a data signal containing that information to network user node  110 .  
         [0029]      FIG. 1C  is a general block diagram  102  of a network user node  110  in communication over wireless network  120  with wireless access point  150  and wireless access point  155 . Wireless access points  150  and  155  may be but are not limited to IEEE 802.11 wireless access points, Bluetooth wireless access points, etc. Network user node  110  is in communication with wireless access points  150  and  155  over communications network  110 . Network user node  110  can obtain location information based upon the location of the wireless access point that is being accessed over wireless network  110 . In an exemplary embodiment, network user node  110  can receive timing information sent from wireless access point  150  to calculate the distance between the network user node  110  and wireless access point  150 . Network user node  110  can perform the same process with wireless access point  155 . Based upon stored location information and the distance from the two wireless access points, the location of network user node  110  can be determined. Alternatively location could be determined by determining the distance and direction of a signal received from just one of wireless access points  150  and  155 . In a further alternative, a gross approximation of network user node  110  may be determined by using the known location of the access point  150  with which user node  110  can communicate.  
         [0030]     Examples have been illustrated above for some exemplary embodiments for determining the location of network user node  110 . These embodiments are shown for illustrative purposes only. Any method wherein the location of network user node  110  is determined with greater or lessor specificity is contemplated.  
         [0031]      FIG. 2  illustrates a flow diagram  200  illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a method of using location information to update security settings on network user node  110 .  
         [0032]     In a step  210 , the location of network user node  110  is obtained from location sensing system  140  or using wireless access points or an alternative location detection system. The network user node&#39;s location can be obtained using global positioning satellite (GPS) signals, information regarding the location of the current access point for the network user node, a signal triangulation method, or any other method capable of detecting the location of a network user node with greater or lesser specificity.  
         [0033]     In a step  220  the location information is verified. If the location either could not be determined or is found to be an unacceptable value, network user node  110  could be configured to display a notice to this effect and apply default security settings for network user node  110  in a step  222 . Following the application of the default security levels, step  210  is once again performed and an attempt to determine the location of network user node  110  is once again made. Alternatively, step  210  can be performed after an interval of time has passed or upon the occurrence of some event such as powering on network user node  110  or attempting to access new functionality or data.  
         [0034]     If the location value is properly determined and is an acceptable value in step  220 , a step  224  is performed wherein the location is referenced in a table  300  of security settings indexed by location, described below in reference to FIG.  3 A. Table  300  can be stored on a storage apparatus in association either with remote computer system  130  in communication with network user node  110  over wireless network  120  or on a storage apparatus associated with network user node  110 . Table  300  can be implemented using a processor and a storage means to create and store a series of records or a linked list. Alternatively table  300  can be implemented using a database or any other suitable method wherein information can be stored, indexed, and easily retrieved.  
         [0035]     A determination is made in a step  230  to determine if the current location of network user node  110  is stored in table  300  of security settings indexed according to location. If the location is not found, an optional step  240  can be performed.  
         [0036]     In step  240 , a new record  350  described below in reference to  FIG. 3B , can be created for storage in table  300 . In step  240  the user is queried to determine if they want to create new record  350  containing security settings for the location determined in step  210 . In one exemplary embodiment the user can be queried using a display associated with network user node  110 . In an alternative embodiment the user can be queried using a series of communications sent from remote computing system  130  over wireless network  120  to network user node  110 . The query would give the user location information and the user would have the option of setting at least one security level setting for that location from a set of more than two different security levels (i.e. the level of security is chosen from more than just security on or security off). The security level setting could include restrictions or complete blocks on access to either network user node  110  as a whole, information stored on the network user node  110 , or any subset of information stored on the network user node  110 . The security setting could also include restrictions or blocks on access to information available on a remote system accessible using network user node  110  over wireless network  120 .  
         [0037]     If the user does wish to create new record  350 , a step  242  is performed wherein the information is gathered through the user interface of the network user node  110  and used to populate a new record  350  with an index based on the location information determined in step  210 . In an exemplary embodiment, the user could have the option of expanding or shrinking the location setting to define the complete space wherein the new security settings should apply. Following the entry of the record information, a step  244  is performed wherein new record  350  is stored in table  300 .  
         [0038]     If the user does not wish to create new record  350  in step  240 , the system will apply default security levels in a step  222 . Following application of the default security levels the system and method will return to step  210  to once again determine the location of network user node  110 . Alternatively, step  210  can be performed after an interval of time has passed or upon the occurrence of some event such as powering on network user node  110  or attempting to access new functionality or data.  
         [0039]     If location was determined in step  220  and found in the table in step  230 , an optional step  250  may be performed wherein instructions to update the security settings for network user node  110  are transmitted from remote computing system  130  over wireless network  120  to network user node  110 . In alternative embodiments, illustrated above in reference to  FIGS. 1B and 1C , this step is not required.  
         [0040]     After the proper security instructions are obtained, a step  260  is performed wherein the security settings for network user node  110  are modified according to the information stored in the record. Following the update of the security settings, a step  210  is once again performed to determine the location of network user node  110 . Step  210  can be performed immediately to create a continuous looping and updating of the security levels for network user node  110  based upon location, or alternatively the security settings can be updated after certain intervals of time, or the security settings can be updated upon the occurrence of some event such as a powering on of network user node  110  or attempting to access new data or functionality.  
         [0041]      FIG. 3A  shows an exemplary embodiment of a table  300  for storing information regarding security settings for network user node  110  indexed according to location. This table can be stored on remote computing system  130 . Alternative, table  300  can be stored on a storage apparatus associated with network user node  0 .  
         [0042]     Each entry in table  300  is represented by a record, described in detail below with reference to  FIG. 3B . Table  300  represents a complete listing of all records that are stored on the storage system.  
         [0043]     In addition to user defined records based upon location, table  300  stores a record  310  for default security settings. Record  310  is referenced in step  222 , described above in reference to  FIG. 2 , to apply security settings when either the location is unknown or the location is known but not represent by a record in table  300 . In an alternative embodiment, one record can be used when location is undetermined, while another can be used when location is not represented by a record stored in table  300 .  
         [0044]      FIG. 3B  represents new record  350  for storing security level information to be associated with a location. Record  350  may contain several entry fields for storing information relevant to security level settings for any one particular location. In an exemplary embodiment record  350  contains entry fields for the name of the location, the coordinates of the location, the security settings for the network user node at that location, the default security settings for that location, the security settings for a subset of information at that setting and any other security information that the user may wish to associate with a given location. The location information stored in new record  350  can be a single point or a range wherein the security settings will apply.  
         [0045]     While the detailed drawings, specific examples and particular formulations given describe exemplary embodiments, they serve the purpose of illustration only. The hardware and software configurations shown and described may differ depending on the chosen performance characteristics and physical characteristics of the computing devices. For example, the type of computing device, data structures, or devices used may differ. The systems and methods shown and described are not limited to the precise details and conditions disclosed. Furthermore, other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the exemplary embodiments and the steps of the exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as expressed in the appended claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 7