Certificate Verification Extension for Enterprise VPN Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing certificate verification processes in VPN connections lack flexibility and security, as they rely on standardized protocols that may not accommodate enterprise-specific security policies, and do not allow for dynamic updates to ensure continuous compliance with evolving security standards.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a certificate verification extension that can be pushed to mobile devices by an enterprise server, allowing for application-specific verification based on proprietary security policies, which can be updated to reflect changing security requirements without affecting other applications, and includes device-level verification using standardized protocols like RFC standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If standardized certificate verification protocols are used, then compatibility and ease of operation are improved, but security and adaptability to enterprise-specific policies deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The certificate verification process is segmented into two distinct components: a standardized protocol handler that ensures compatibility and ease of operation, and an enterprise-specific policy module that enforces security requirements. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in its strength without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary verification extension is introduced that acts as a mediator between the standardized certificate verification protocol and enterprise-specific security policies. This intermediary translates and adapts standardized verification results according to enterprise policy requirements, resolving the contradiction between standardization and customization.
2Reliability
If enterprise-specific security policies are implemented, then security and reliability are improved, but device complexity and difficulty of maintenance increase
Solution Approach 1:
The verification extension is designed as a universal component that can handle multiple verification scenarios: standardized protocol verification, enterprise policy verification, and hybrid verification modes. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate complex systems for each verification type.
Solution Approach 2:
The enterprise-specific security policies are implemented as self-contained verification extensions that can be independently updated and managed. The system automatically loads and applies the appropriate verification extension based on the VPN profile, eliminating the need for manual configuration and reducing maintenance complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If dynamic updates to security policies are enabled, then adaptability and security are improved, but system complexity and potential instability increase
Solution Approach 1:
Security policy updates are prepared and validated in advance before being applied to the running system. The verification extension mechanism allows updates to be staged and tested before activation, ensuring system stability while enabling adaptability to new security requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The verification system is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow it to adapt its behavior based on the loaded VPN profile and associated verification extension. The system can dynamically switch between different verification modes and policies without requiring complete reconfiguration, maintaining stability while enabling adaptability.
Data Source
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Figure 2
AI summary
Systems, methods, and software can be used to verify a certificate. In some aspects, a request to connect to a Virtual Private Network (VPN) server is received from an application on a mobile device. A certificate of the VPN server is obtained at the mobile device. A device-level certificate verification for the certificate is performed. Whether an application-level certificate verification is provisioned for the application is determined. In response to determining that the application-level certification verification is provisioned, the application-level certificate verification for the certificate is performed. In response to verifying that the certificate passes the application-level certificate verification, the mobile device is connected to the VPN server.