Attached Computing Device for Secure Host Access
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for allowing users to access their employer's network using their own devices are either restrictive, insecure, or introduce latency and internet security issues, particularly when dealing with diverse operating systems and potential malware risks.
Innovation Solution
An attached computing device that enables secure access to a dedicated computing environment on a host device through a web browser, allowing users to run a separate operating system environment without installing software on the host device, using an encrypted and authenticated browser session, and providing portability across various host devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dual booting or using bootable USB memory is required to access employer's network, then network access is enabled, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to need to install additional software and manage multiple operating systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cloud-based virtual machine as an intermediary between the user's personal device and the employer's network. Instead of requiring direct installation of employer's software on the user's device, the solution uses a remote virtual machine hosted on the cloud that provides the necessary network access and security functions, eliminating the need for local software installation while maintaining security requirements
2Reliability
If remote connection methods are used to access employer's network, then network access is enabled, but latency and internet security issues worsen due to passing communications through user's network
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a cloud-based virtual machine as an intermediary that establishes a secure connection between the user's device and the employer's network through encrypted tunneling. This intermediary approach allows direct peer-to-peer communication bypassing the user's local network for critical data traffic, reducing latency while maintaining security through the cloud-hosted virtual machine's secure connection management
3Reliability
If client software is used to access remote network, then network access is enabled, but adaptability deteriorates because software must be written for many different operating systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a cloud-based virtual machine as an intermediary that provides operating system independence. The virtual machine runs the employer's required software environment in the cloud, allowing users to access the network from any personal device regardless of its operating system. This eliminates the need for OS-specific client software while maintaining full network access capability and adaptability across diverse platforms
Data Source
AI summary
Examples of a computing device for attaching to a host computing device are disclosed. In one example implementation according to aspects of the present disclosure, a computing device may include one or more processors, a memory, and a connection port to attach the computing device to a host computing device. Additionally, the computing device may include a driver installation module to cause a device driver to be installed on the host computing device to enable the computing device to send data to and receive data from the host computing device. The computing device may also include an operating system session module to initiate an operating system session on the computing device and to cause the operating system session to be accessible to a user of the host computing device via a web browser interface on the host computing device.