Importance

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Abstract

The security of wireless communications between two or more devices is enhanced by requiring detection of the physical proximity of the devices. One or more of the devices operates in a non-secure mode, wherein the authentication process required to enter into secure communications is disabled. Upon detection of the physical proximity of another device, the device enters a secure mode, wherein authentication is enabled. The entry of a security code required by the authentication process may comprise the transmission of a device address or other data, either across the proximity detection interface or via the wireless communications interface. In addition to the detection of physical proximity, a hardware handshake protocol between the two devices may be defined. For additional security, the device must enter a handshake mode before the hardware handshake will complete. The handshake mode may require entry of a password or screening by a biometric sensor.

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First Claim