Abstract
This disclosure describes the use of a proximate, unlocked wearable device as a dynamic mobile trusted location to enhance security and ease of use for a primary device such as a smartphone or tablet. The described techniques leverage secure short-range wireless communication between a paired, secure wearable device and the primary device. When user authentication is triggered on the primary device, it initiates a ranging session with the wearable device. If the wearable device is within range and securely unlocked, it acts as a trust signal, allowing the user to use a non-biometric factor such as a pin or passcode to access the primary device even when it is not at a trusted location set up by the user. If the wearable device is not present or secure, mandatory biometric authentication is enforced on the primary device. This provides enhanced security while also providing user convenience by conditionally adjusting authentication requirements.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Recommended Citation
Rajadhyaksha, Salil; Ang, Irene; Zaslavsky, Igor; and Tiv, Arthur, "Context-Aware Authentication Using a Proximate Wearable Device as a Source of Trust", Technical Disclosure Commons, (September 29, 2025)
https://www.tdcommons.org/dpubs_series/8648