Automated Cloud Access Vulnerability Assessment and Remediation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cloud computer resource access management is challenging due to unauthorized access, unintended access to multiple resources, and excessive permissions, making it difficult to assess and manage access risks effectively.
Innovation Solution
An automated system that combines network connectivity and identity and access management (IAM) configurations to monitor and report access between computing and data resources, using IAM managers and network configuration managers to evaluate and remediate access vulnerabilities, and provide graphical outputs for access customization and security improvements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If access rules allow broad access to cloud computer resources, then resource availability and ease of operation are improved, but security risks and unauthorized access increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary vulnerability assessment by analyzing network connectivity paths and IAM permissions before unauthorized access can occur. It proactively identifies potential security issues by simulating attack paths and evaluating permission configurations in advance, allowing security teams to remediate vulnerabilities before they are exploited.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback loops by monitoring access patterns, evaluating permission configurations, and providing real-time alerts when potential security risks are detected. It compares actual access usage against configured permissions and notifies administrators of discrepancies, enabling dynamic adjustment of access controls based on observed behavior.
2Adaptability or versatility
If permission levels are set high to ensure access capability, then resource accessibility is improved, but security risks and excessive permissions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies the principle of local quality by evaluating and optimizing permissions at the individual resource and user level rather than applying blanket high-level permissions. It analyzes each IAM policy and network path separately, identifying the minimum necessary permissions required for each specific access scenario, thereby granting only the precise level of access needed for each resource-access pair.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses partial action by granting only the subset of permissions actually needed for specific tasks rather than full administrative access. It identifies and removes excessive permissions from IAM policies by comparing configured permissions against actual usage patterns and minimum requirements, maintaining sufficient access capability while eliminating unnecessary privilege.
3Measurement precision
If comprehensive access monitoring is implemented, then security assessment accuracy is improved, but system complexity and difficulty of operation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies universality by creating a multi-functional platform that simultaneously performs network connectivity analysis, IAM policy evaluation, vulnerability assessment, and remediation guidance. Rather than requiring separate tools for each function, it integrates multiple security assessment capabilities into a unified system that handles diverse security analysis tasks through common core mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges network connectivity path analysis with IAM permission evaluation into a unified vulnerability assessment process. It combines data from network configuration sources and identity management systems to create an integrated view of access risks, eliminating the need for separate monitoring systems and reducing overall system complexity through consolidation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If manual access configuration is used, then flexibility and customization are improved, but time consumption and productivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary analysis of access requirements and automatically generates recommended IAM policies and network configurations based on evaluated security requirements. It pre-computes optimal permission settings and access paths before administrators need to configure them, significantly reducing manual configuration time while maintaining customization capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service by automatically evaluating security requirements and generating configuration recommendations without requiring extensive manual intervention. It autonomously analyzes access patterns, identifies appropriate permission levels, and provides ready-to-deploy configuration options, allowing administrators to rapidly customize access controls without deep security expertise.
Data Source
AI summary
Devices and methods are provided for determining computer resource connectivity and providing computer resource protection. A computer system may identify a first indication of each network configuration between a computing resource and a data resource. The system may identify a second indication of a request for credentials associated with accessing at least one of the computing resource or the data resource. The system may determine an action including accessing the computing resource and the data resource using a network configuration and a credential. The system may determine that the action has occurred a number of times that is less than a threshold. The system may cancel a credential or network configuration associated with the action.