The Boeing Company
System and a computer-implemented method for machine-to-machine authentication of an apparatus

Abstract:

A system and a method of authentication to improve security communication between machines are disclosed. The system includes a retrieving unit (120) that identifies a critical component (102) of an apparatus (110) in response to an authentication request for the apparatus (110) and retrieves authentication information for the critical component (102) comprising expected physical and digital signatures for the critical component (102) and one or more associated additional components (104). An acquiring unit (160) that acquires present signatures for the components (102, 104). A checking unit (180) that checks validity of each present signature with the corresponding expected signature, in order to authenticate the apparatus (110). The authentication process is enhanced by strategically extending the biometric concept, that is, measurement and analysis of unique physical or behavioral characteristics for verifying identity purposes, to interactions between machines. This new concept may be labeled as "machinemetric".