Application Data Protection Layer Security Capability Exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Scaled-out, distributed applications are vulnerable to breaches and data theft due to inadequate protection mechanisms, particularly in data centers handling sensitive information, as existing security features fail to protect the entire distributed application system effectively.
Innovation Solution
An Application and Data Protection Layer (ADPL) determines and exchanges security features and capabilities among application instances via data socket descriptors, enabling dynamic protection mechanisms such as cache flushing, data redaction, and payload encryption based on peer security profiles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional security mechanisms are used in distributed applications, then device complexity is reduced, but security reliability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
An Application and Data Protection Layer (ADPL) is introduced as an intermediary component between applications and the underlying system. The ADPL includes a capability exchange module that enables peer applications to share security capabilities and a protection module that applies security measures based on exchanged capabilities. This intermediary structure enhances security reliability without requiring complex modifications to each individual application or the core system architecture.
2Reliability
If security protection measures are applied to distributed applications, then security reliability is improved, but productivity may be reduced due to additional overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The ADPL implements self-service mechanisms where peer applications automatically exchange their security capabilities with each other through the capability exchange module. The protection module then automatically applies appropriate security measures based on the exchanged capabilities without requiring manual configuration or intervention. This automation reduces the overhead associated with security management while maintaining strong security protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies security measures selectively based on the exchanged capabilities rather than uniformly across all applications. The protection module evaluates the security needs of each application instance and applies only the necessary protection measures, avoiding excessive security overhead for applications that have adequate built-in security capabilities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If security capabilities are exchanged among peer applications, then adaptability of security protection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ADPL is designed as a universal protection layer that can serve multiple peer applications simultaneously. The capability exchange module uses standardized protocols and data structures that can be applied across different application types, enabling the system to handle diverse security capabilities without requiring application-specific customization. This multi-functionality approach enhances adaptability while controlling complexity through reuse of common mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a system includes a processing circuit and logic integrated with and/or executable by the processing circuit. The logic is configured to cause the processing circuit to determine, by an application operating on a first host in a network, one or more security features and/or capabilities available to the application for protecting the application and first data used by the application from unauthorized activity. The logic is also configured to cause the processing circuit to send, by an ADPL operating on the first host via a data socket descriptor, a first message to one or more peer applications in the network, the first message including indication of the one or more security features and/or capabilities available to the application. The logic may further cause the processing circuit to receive a second message indicating security features available to a peer application in the network operating on another host.