{"schema_version":"1.0","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853949","patent":{"patent_number":"US-9853949","title":"Secure time service","assignee":null,"inventors":[],"filing_date":"2013-04-19T00:00:00.000Z","publication_date":"2017-12-26T00:00:00.000Z","cpc_codes":["H04L","G06F","G06F","G06F","G06F","H04L","H04L"],"num_claims":24,"abstract":"Methods and apparatus for a secure time service are disclosed. A time server including a time source, a cryptographic key and a cryptographic engine is instantiated within a provider network. A time service endpoint receives a timestamp request from a client. The endpoint transmits a representation of the request to the time server, and receives, from the time server, an encryption of at least a timestamp generated using the time source. A response comprising the encryption of at least the timestamp is transmitted to the requesting client."},"analysis":{"summary":"The Secure Time Service patent introduces a method and apparatus for providing secure and verifiable time synchronization. The core innovation lies in using a time server, including a time source, cryptographic key, and cryptographic engine, to encrypt timestamps. This approach addresses the problem of insecure time protocols that are vulnerable to manipulation and attacks. The system operates by having a time service endpoint receive a timestamp request from a client, transmit the request to the time server, and receive an encrypted timestamp in response. The encrypted timestamp is then transmitted to the client, ensuring the integrity and authenticity of the time data. This technology offers significant business value by enhancing the security of distributed systems, protecting against fraud, and enabling a wide range of applications in industries such as finance, healthcare, and blockchain. The market opportunity is substantial, as the demand for secure time synchronization continues to grow in an increasingly interconnected digital world. The Secure Time Service provides a timely and effective solution, positioning it as a key player in the future of digital security. This patent offers a robust method for generating and distributing trusted time information, mitigating risks associated with manipulated or inaccurate timestamps.","layman_explanation":"The Secure Time Service patent addresses the problem of ensuring accurate and trustworthy time synchronization in computer systems. Existing solutions, like the Network Time Protocol (NTP), are vulnerable to attacks and manipulation, leading to inaccurate timestamps. This patent provides a method for creating secure and verifiable timestamps, ensuring the integrity of time-sensitive operations.\n\nThe Secure Time Service works by using a special time server that includes a time source, a cryptographic key, and a cryptographic engine. The time server encrypts the timestamp using the cryptographic key, making it tamper-proof. When a client requests a timestamp, the time server provides the encrypted timestamp, which the client can then verify. Think of it like a notary public stamping a document. The notary's stamp provides assurance that the document is authentic and has not been altered. Similarly, the encrypted timestamp provides assurance that the time is accurate and has not been tampered with.\n\nThis technology matters because it enhances the security and reliability of various applications. For example, in financial transactions, accurate timestamps are crucial for auditing and preventing fraud. In blockchain technology, secure timestamps are essential for maintaining the integrity of the ledger. The Secure Time Service provides a robust solution for these and other time-sensitive applications. The market impact of this technology is significant, as it addresses a fundamental need for security in distributed systems. The competitive advantages include enhanced security, tamper-proof timestamps, and resistance to attacks. The potential ROI is high, as the technology can significantly reduce the risk of fraud and enhance the security of various applications.\n\nFuture applications of the Secure Time Service include securing IoT devices, protecting critical infrastructure, and enhancing the security of cloud computing. The market adoption timeline is expected to be gradual, as companies become more aware of the risks associated with insecure time synchronization. The investment implications are favorable, as the technology has the potential to generate significant revenue through licensing and subscription-based services.","technical_analysis":"The Secure Time Service patent outlines a system for secure time synchronization using cryptographic techniques. The architecture centers around a time server that includes a time source, a cryptographic key, and a cryptographic engine. The time source provides the initial time data, which is then encrypted using the cryptographic key by the cryptographic engine. This encryption process is crucial for ensuring the integrity and authenticity of the timestamp. The system implements a time service endpoint that receives timestamp requests from clients. This endpoint transmits a representation of the request to the time server and, in return, receives the encrypted timestamp. The endpoint then forwards the encrypted timestamp to the requesting client. The integration of this system into existing networks would require careful consideration of network latency and synchronization protocols to maintain accuracy. Performance characteristics would depend on the speed of the cryptographic engine and the network bandwidth. Code-level implications would involve implementing the cryptographic algorithms and managing the secure storage of the cryptographic key. The system is designed to be resilient to various attacks, including man-in-the-middle attacks and time spoofing attempts. The strength of the cryptographic key is a critical factor in the overall security of the system.","business_analysis":"The Secure Time Service patent addresses a critical need for secure and verifiable time synchronization in various industries. The market opportunity is substantial, as the demand for secure time protocols continues to grow in an increasingly interconnected digital world. The competitive advantage of this technology lies in its use of cryptography to ensure the integrity and authenticity of timestamps, offering a significant improvement over existing time synchronization methods, such as NTP, which are vulnerable to manipulation. The revenue potential of this invention is high, as it can be licensed to various industries, including finance, healthcare, and blockchain. Potential business models include licensing the technology to companies that require secure time synchronization, offering a subscription-based service for providing secure timestamps, and integrating the technology into existing security products. The strategic positioning of this technology is strong, as it addresses a fundamental need for security in distributed systems. ROI projections are favorable, as the technology can significantly reduce the risk of fraud and enhance the security of various applications. The Secure Time Service can be used to timestamp transactions, providing an audit trail that is resistant to tampering. In healthcare, it can ensure the accuracy of medical records, preventing unauthorized modifications. In government, it can be used to secure electronic voting systems, ensuring the integrity of the electoral process.","faqs":null,"topics":["secure time service","secure timestamps","cryptographic time","time synchronization","patent","secure","service"],"tech_cluster":null},"seo":{"title":"Secure Time Service - Patent US-9853949","description":"Discover the Secure Time Service patent for tamper-proof timestamps. Enhance security with cryptographic time synchronization. Full patent analysis and claims.","keywords":["secure time service","secure timestamps","cryptographic time","time synchronization","patent","patent US-9853949","digital security","blockchain security","tamper-proof timestamps","time server"]},"attribution":{"source":"Patentable","source_url":"https://patentable.app","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853949","license":"CC-BY-4.0-like","license_terms":"AI-generated analysis on this page (summary, layman_explanation, technical_analysis, business_analysis, faqs) may be reused with attribution and a visible link back to the canonical URL above. Patent abstracts, claims, and bibliographic data are USPTO public domain.","required_link":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853949","citation_suggestion":"Patentable. \"Secure time service\" (US-9853949). https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853949","copyright_holder":"Nomic Interactive Technology LLC"},"links":{"html":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853949","json":"https://patentable.app/api/llm-context/US-9853949","site":"https://patentable.app","llms_txt":"https://patentable.app/llms.txt"},"generated_at":"2026-05-31T10:10:39.532Z"}