Communication Device Attack Mitigation via External Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing communication systems lack an efficient mechanism to address specific attacks on information processing devices, particularly when the necessary update programs or workarounds are not readily available.

Innovation Solution

A communication device with a controller that receives attack detection information from external devices and updates its programs using existing programs if available, or executes a predefined addressing process if no suitable program exists, ensuring effective attack mitigation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the communication device waits for update programs to be provided before addressing attacks, then it can apply proper fixes, but it remains vulnerable during the waiting period

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattack mitigation effectivenessVSAvoidresponse time to attacks

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The communication device performs preliminary actions by executing addressing processes immediately upon receiving attack detection information, before the update program is fully provided. This allows the device to mitigate attacks in advance rather than waiting passively for fixes, reducing the vulnerability window while ensuring proper attack addressing through subsequent program updates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Loss of time

If the communication device executes addressing processes without update programs, then it can respond quickly to attacks, but it may lack proper mitigation measures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresponse time to attacksVSAvoidattack mitigation effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The device executes preliminary addressing processes immediately when attacks are detected, providing quick response. Subsequently, when update programs are provided, the device updates its programs to implement proper, verified mitigation measures. This two-stage approach ensures both rapid response and reliable attack addressing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The communication device receives attack detection information from external devices, executes addressing processes based on this feedback, and then updates its programs when update programs are provided. This feedback loop ensures continuous improvement of attack mitigation effectiveness while maintaining rapid response capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If the communication device maintains multiple programs for different attack scenarios, then it can address various attacks effectively, but it increases device complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattack addressing capabilityVSAvoidprogram management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The communication device maintains a single program structure that can perform multiple functions: executing addressing processes when attacks are detected and updating programs when update programs are provided. This universal program design allows the device to address various attacks effectively without maintaining separate programs for each scenario, thereby reducing complexity while preserving versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20250141919A1Communication device, non-transitory computer-readable recording medium storing computer-readable instructions for communication device, and method executed by communication device

Publication Date: 2025.05.01 BROTHER KOGYO KK

AI summary

A communication device may receive, from a first external device, attack detection information indicating that a specific attack has been detected; in a case where the attack detection information is received from the first external device and a first program for addressing the specific attack exists, update a second program stored in the communication device by using the first program; and in a case where the attack detection information is received from the first external device and the first program does not exist, execute a first addressing process for addressing the specific attack, the first addressing process being indicated by specific addressing information received from a first server.