In-band identity verification and man-in-the-middle defense
A variety of techniques for performing identity verification are disclosed. As one example, a verification request is received from a remote user. The verification request pertains to a cryptographic key. In response to receiving a confirmation from a local user of the local device, a verification process is initiated. A result of the verification process is transmitted to the remote user. As a second example, a verification request can be received at the local device, from a local user of the device. A verification process with respect to the local user is initiated, and a result of the verification process is transmitted to a remote user that is different from the local user.
1. A method, comprising:
receiving, at a local device, a verification request from a remote user in conjunction with a contact made by the remote user with a local user, wherein the verification request includes a request for a representation of a cryptographic hash value of a cryptographic key of the local user;
in response to a confirmation received from the local user of the local device, initiating a verification process, wherein the verification process includes capturing audiovisual content by the local device and the audiovisual content includes the representation of the cryptographic hash value; and
transmitting a result of the verification process to the remote user.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein the verification request comprises a fingerprint verification.
3. The method of claim 1 wherein the verification process includes displaying a script to the is local user.
4. The method of claim 3 wherein the script includes a dynamic element.
5. The method of claim 4 wherein the dynamic element includes at least one of a date and time.
6. The method of claim 4 wherein the dynamic element includes a representation of a fingerprint.
7. The method of claim 6 wherein the fingerprint corresponds to a public key associated with the local user.
8. The method of claim 1 wherein the result, when viewed by the remote user, includes an audiovisual component and an overlay component.
9. The method of claim 8 wherein the overlay component includes a representation of a fingerprint.
10. The method of claim 8 wherein the overlay component is provided by a device used by the remote user to view the result.
11. The method of claim 1 wherein the verification request is received from the remote user in conjunction with a first contact made by the remote user with the local user.
12. A method, comprising:
receiving at a local device, in conjunction with a contact made by a remote user with a local user, content purporting to establish an identity of the remote user at a remove device, wherein the content includes an audiovisual component that includes a representation of a cryptographic hash value of a cryptographic key of the remote user;
displaying, to the local user, the received content; and
recording an authentication verdict provided by the local user in conjunction with reviewing the received response, wherein an indication of the verdict is provided to the remote user in a messaging interface.
13. The method of claim 12 wherein displaying the received response includes displaying an overlay component.
14. The method of claim 13 wherein the overlay component includes a representation of a fingerprint.
15. The method of claim 14 wherein the fingerprint is associated with the remote user.
16. The method of claim 12 wherein the system is configured to transmit the verdict to a remote server.
17. A non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising instructions that when, executed by at least one hardware processor, perform the steps of, comprising:
receiving, at a local device, a verification request from a remote user in conjunction with a contact made by the remote user with a local user, wherein the verification request includes a request for a representation of a cryptographic hash value of a cryptographic key of the local user;
in response to a confirmation received from the local user of the local device, initiating a verification process, wherein the verification process includes capturing audiovisual content by the local device and the audiovisual content includes the representation of the cryptographic hash value; and
transmitting a result of the verification process to the remote user.
18. A non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising instructions that when, executed by at least one hardware processor, perform the steps of, comprising:
receiving at a local device, in conjunction with a contact made by a remote user with a local user, content purporting to establish an identity of the remote user at a remove device, wherein the content includes an audiovisual component that includes a representation of a cryptographic hash value of a cryptographic key of the remote user;
displaying, to the local user, the received content; and
recording an authentication verdict provided by the local user in conjunction with reviewing the received response, wherein an indication of the verdict is provided to the remote user in a messaging interface.