Aircraft Edge Node Cyber-Security Module Patching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for identifying and addressing cyber-security threats in communication systems are inefficient, time-consuming, and burdensome, particularly as more services become connected through different interfaces, making it challenging to determine potential system security vulnerabilities and deploy effective solutions automatically.
Innovation Solution
The system partitions an aircraft's edge node into an edge node module and a cyber-security module, records relevant data, determines the aircraft's location and engine status, connects to a Centralized Service on a cloud platform, sends data for analysis, receives updated cyber-security modules, and modifies the cyber-security module accordingly to enhance security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual methods are used to identify and address cyber-security threats, then users can determine potential security threats and solutions, but the process becomes inefficient, time-consuming, and burdensome
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automated self-service for security patch management. The edge node automatically receives aircraft data, determines ground location and engine status, connects to centralized service, receives security patches, and applies modifications without requiring manual user intervention for each security update, thereby improving efficiency while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically monitoring aircraft data, determining when the aircraft is on the ground with engines off, and proactively connecting to receive security patches before they are needed in flight, preparing the system in advance to address potential security threats
2Adaptability or versatility
If more services are connected through different communication interfaces, then system functionality increases, but vulnerability to network security threats increases and determining security vulnerabilities becomes increasingly challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the security monitoring function into a dedicated cyber-security module that operates independently within the edge node. This module specifically monitors aircraft data for security threats, separating the security assessment function from the general communication services, thereby simplifying vulnerability detection despite increased system connectivity
Solution Approach 2:
The centralized service acts as an intermediary between the edge node and security patch sources. It receives aircraft data, identifies security vulnerabilities, determines appropriate patches, and delivers them to the edge node, simplifying the complex process of security vulnerability assessment and patch management across multiple communication interfaces
3Productivity
If automated systems are implemented for security patch management, then efficiency and accuracy increase, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The edge node is designed with multi-functionality, combining both edge node functionality and cyber-security module functionality within a single system. This allows the same hardware platform to perform both operational tasks and security monitoring/patch management, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining automated security capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the cyber-security module continuously monitors aircraft data, detects security threats, and triggers automated responses by connecting to centralized service for patch retrieval and application. This closed-loop feedback system automates security management while keeping the system architecture relatively simple through event-driven operations
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are methods and systems for monitoring and modifying security modules for identifying cyber-security threats. For instance, a method may include partitioning an edge node of an aircraft into an edge node module and a cyber-security module, recording aircraft data corresponding to the aircraft, the aircraft data including log data and associated information, determining based on the aircraft data, that the aircraft has a ground location and that at least one engine of the aircraft is powered off, based on the determining, connecting at least one wireless interface of the edge node of the aircraft to a Centralized Service hosted on a cloud platform, sending the aircraft data to the Centralized Service, receiving at least one current cyber-security module identified by the Centralized Service based on the aircraft data, and modifying, the cyber-security module based on the received at least one current cyber-security module.