Japanese tech conglomerate Sony continues to look into blockchain technology. Sony seeks a blockchain user authentication patent, according to a document released by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
Released by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, the patent application sketches out how Sony plans to apply blockchain technology to a user authentication system.
The tech conglomerate intends to implement two concurrent blockchain platforms as part of a multi-factor authentication system (MFA).
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is a security system that requires at least two different credentials in order to verify a user’s identity and grant access for a login or other transaction. Probably the most common type of MFA, the two-factor authentication (also known as 2FA) requires a two-step verification, typically a username and password plus a one-time-valid code generated by a physical token or sent to the user’s mobile device.
According to Sony’s patent application, one blockchain platform would generate authentication codes, while the second one would receive the codes and use them to verify a user’s identity. Possible uses include data transfer, asset transfer and contract generation, according to the document.
Earlier this year, Sony partnered up with IBM to develop an educational platform that uses blockchain technology to store, share and secure student records.
Sony Group is considering innovative ways to make use of blockchain technology.
The Japanese company signaled that it might be looking at blockchain applications in supply chain and logistics areas.
“[Sony] will continue evaluating this system going forward as it works towards the creation of appealing products and services in a host of different fields,” the company said.
Blockchain has been hailed by many analysts as “the most transformative technology since the dawn of the internet”. The technology is already being put to use by leading companies such as IBM, KPMG, Mastercard, Wal-Mart – just to name a few. Governments are also starting to launch various blockchain initiatives.
Sony seeks blockchain user authentication patent – Image source: Japan Times/ AP