Backup Authentication Agent for Unified File System Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data backup and restore methods face inefficiencies due to separate credentials for network attached storage and file systems, leading to complexity and increased labor for IT personnel in managing access permissions across different administrative and usage domains.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a backup authentication agent that processes backup data based on file system authentication, using encrypted authentication information to determine permission levels and manage access, thereby extending existing network access credentials to network attached storage, allowing unified access and reducing complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate credentials are used for network attached storage and file systems, then access control security is maintained, but IT personnel management complexity and labor increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the authentication systems for network attached storage and file systems by having the backup authentication agent use the same credentials that users employ to access files on the file system. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate credential management while maintaining security boundaries through the agent's mediation role.
Solution Approach 2:
The backup authentication agent serves multiple functions: it authenticates users using their existing file system credentials, determines permission levels, and controls backup data access. This multi-functional approach allows a single credential system to serve both file system access and backup operations, reducing management complexity.
2Reliability
If separate credentials are used for network attached storage and file systems, then security domains are maintained, but labor for managing access permissions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service authentication where users automatically use their existing file system credentials to access backup data without requiring separate credential provisioning. The backup authentication agent autonomously handles the authentication and permission determination, eliminating manual credential management labor.
Solution Approach 2:
The backup authentication agent acts as an intermediary that translates file system authentication into backup data access permissions. It mediates between the user's existing credentials and the backup storage system, maintaining security domain separation while simplifying the user experience and reducing administrative labor.
3Reliability
If backup data is accessed through separate credentials, then security is maintained, but end user access efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Users can directly access their backup data using their existing file system credentials without requiring IT personnel intervention for credential provisioning. The backup authentication agent automatically processes the authentication and permission checks, enabling efficient self-service access while maintaining security.
Data Source
AI summary
Processing backup data based on file system authentication is described. A system request authentication information from an application in response to a receipt of a request from the application to process backup data. The system receives encrypted authentication information associated with an authentication system corresponding to a file system. The system requests a permission level from the authentication system based on the encrypted authentication information. The system receives the permission level from the authentication system. The system determines whether the permission level permits the request from the application to process the backup data. The system processes the backup data for the application in response to a determination that the permission level permits the request from the application to process the backup data.