Air-Gapped System Deployment via Portable Storage Bundles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Air-gapped systems require secure and repeatable methods for deployment and maintenance without connecting to external networks, as traditional methods compromise security by temporarily connecting to the Internet.
Innovation Solution
A cloud-based infrastructure is used to develop and store scripts for updating air-gapped systems, which are then securely transferred and deployed using portable storage devices, ensuring complete network isolation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional deployment methods are used to update air-gapped systems, then software can be updated and maintained, but network security is compromised by requiring temporary or permanent connections to external networks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by preparing complete software packages with all dependencies and configuration files before transferring them to the air-gapped system. The deployment bundles are created externally with all necessary components pre-assembled, eliminating the need for post-deployment network connections for patching or updating. This resolves the contradiction by enabling software updates without compromising network security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses portable storage devices as intermediaries to transfer deployment bundles between external systems and air-gapped systems. This intermediary mechanism enables software updates while maintaining network isolation, as the storage device serves as a secure bridge that doesn't require persistent or temporary network connections. This resolves the contradiction by providing update capability without creating network security vulnerabilities.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If manual updates are performed in air-gapped systems, then network isolation is maintained, but update efficiency and speed are significantly reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by making the air-gapped system autonomous in receiving and executing complete deployment bundles that contain all necessary software, dependencies, and configuration files. The system can perform self-updates without external network assistance, maintaining network isolation while achieving efficient updates through automated bundle execution. This resolves the contradiction by enabling both security and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-assembling complete deployment bundles externally with all dependencies and configuration files before transfer. This eliminates the need for manual, step-by-step updates within the air-gapped system, dramatically speeding up the update process while maintaining network isolation. The preliminary preparation resolves the contradiction between security and update speed.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If air-gapped systems are completely isolated from external networks, then maximum security is achieved, but the ability to receive infrastructure support and software updates is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses portable storage devices as secure intermediaries to transfer deployment bundles to air-gapped systems. This intermediary mechanism provides a controlled interface that maintains network isolation while enabling software updates and infrastructure support. The intermediary resolves the contradiction by allowing maintenance capability without compromising maximum security protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by preparing complete, self-contained deployment bundles externally before transfer to the air-gapped system. These pre-prepared bundles include all necessary software, dependencies, and configuration files, enabling the isolated system to receive comprehensive infrastructure support without network connections. This resolves the contradiction between security isolation and maintenance capability.
4Ease of operation
If firewalls are temporarily disabled to allow Internet access for deployment, then software can be deployed and maintained, but the security protection provided by firewalls is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses portable storage devices as intermediaries to transfer deployment bundles, eliminating the need to disable firewalls or open network connections. The storage device serves as a secure bridge that allows deployment capability while maintaining firewall protection. This resolves the contradiction by providing deployment ease without compromising firewall security protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by preparing complete deployment bundles externally with all necessary software and configuration files before transfer to the air-gapped system. This pre-preparation eliminates the need for temporary firewall disabling or Internet access during deployment, resolving the contradiction between deployment capability and firewall security protection.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, programs, and methods for providing secure and repeatable processes of deploying networked software applications to an air-gapped system while maintaining security are described. A deployment bundle may be generated on a cloud-based platform utilizing cloud-based development tools and infrastructure as a service. In some embodiments, an on-site or hybrid cloud/on-site system may be used. The deployment bundle may be stored on a portable storage device. The portable storage device may be connected to the air-gapped system. The deployment bundle may be deployed in the air-gapped system providing the networked software application together with any local or network service dependencies into the air-gapped system.