Backup Restore Application Antivirus Version Synchronization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Data restoration in virtual machines may leave systems vulnerable to 'day zero' computer virus attacks if the restored systems are not updated with the latest anti-virus software, especially in data centers with multiple virtual machines having varying backup times.

Innovation Solution

The backup/restore application identifies the version of anti-virus software associated with a backup copy and ensures that the data set is restored using the most recent version of the anti-virus software, even if the backup was made with an outdated version, by determining the latest version available and updating accordingly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a computer is restored based on a backup copy made with an outdated anti-virus software version, then the restoration is faster and simpler, but the restored computer becomes vulnerable to new computer viruses

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomputer securityVSAvoidrestoration process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by identifying the anti-virus software version associated with the backup copy before the restoration process begins. This allows the system to proactively determine whether an update is needed and automatically update the anti-virus software to the latest version before completing the restoration, ensuring security without requiring complex manual intervention during the restoration process itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The backup application serves as an intermediary between the restoration process and the anti-virus software update mechanism. It mediates by detecting the version discrepancy, initiating the update process, and coordinating the timing so that the latest anti-virus software is in place before the restored computer becomes operational, thus resolving the contradiction between simplicity and security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the anti-virus software is updated to the latest version before restoration, then the computer is protected against new viruses, but the restoration process takes longer

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomputer securityVSAvoidrestoration time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs the anti-virus software version check and update as a preliminary action immediately upon receiving the restoration request, before the actual data restoration begins. This timing strategy ensures that the security update is completed in advance, so when the restoration finishes, the computer is already protected without experiencing any delay in becoming operational.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the restoration process based on the detected anti-virus software version. If the backup was created with an outdated version, the system automatically initiates an update sequence that adapts the overall process timing, ensuring security updates are integrated seamlessly without creating fixed delays in the restoration timeline.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If virtual machines are restored with varying backup times, then more virtual machines can be restored simultaneously, but some restored virtual machines may have outdated anti-virus protection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverestoration throughputVSAvoidanti-virus protection consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the anti-virus software version associated with each virtual machine backup copy. When multiple virtual machines are being restored simultaneously, the system receives feedback about each backup's anti-virus version status and automatically adjusts the restoration sequence, holding or updating specific virtual machines as needed to ensure all restored systems have current protection regardless of their original backup times.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

Before initiating the restoration of multiple virtual machines, the system performs preliminary checks on each backup copy's anti-virus software version. This allows the system to identify which virtual machines require updates and plan the restoration sequence accordingly, ensuring that all virtual machines receive current anti-virus protection before becoming operational, thereby maintaining consistency across high-volume simultaneous restorations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS10284593B1Protecting newly restored clients from computer viruses
Publication Date: 2019.05.07 EMC IP HLDG CO LLC
  • US10284593B1 patent drawing
  • US10284593B1 patent drawing
  • US10284593B1 patent drawing

AI summary

Protecting newly restored clients from computer viruses is described. A system identifies a backed-up version of anti-virus software associated with a backup copy of a data set for a client. The system receives a request to restore the data set for the client. The system determines whether the backed-up version of the anti-virus software comprises a most recent version of the anti-virus software. The system restores the data set for the client based on the most recent version of the anti-virus software in response to a determination that the backed-up version of the anti-virus software does not comprise the most recent version of the anti-virus software.