Context-Based Secure OS Switching for Malware Protection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing computing platforms and operating systems are vulnerable to malware and other malicious software, with existing solutions like scanning software and virtual machines either requiring frequent updates or causing performance issues, and relying on user diligence which can lead to security breaches.
Innovation Solution
Implementing context-based switching to a secure operating system environment with cloud-based data synchronization and filtration, where the main OS is suspended and a read-only secure OS is loaded from secure storage, updated with state data from a cloud server, for high-value transactions or access to whitelisted websites, and then switched back to the main OS.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If virtual machines are used to contain malware execution, then security is improved, but execution speed deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the operating system into a main OS and a secure OS, allowing different execution environments for different tasks. The secure OS is activated only when needed for sensitive operations, while the main OS handles general tasks, thus avoiding the continuous performance penalty of virtual machines.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between the main OS and secure OS based on the context of the operation. This dynamic activation ensures that the performance overhead of a secure environment is incurred only when necessary, rather than continuously as with virtual machines.
2Reliability
If scanning software is used to detect malware, then security is improved, but system updates frequency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The secure OS is pre-configured with security measures and loaded in a clean state before needed. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for continuous scanning and frequent updates during operation, as the secure environment is already hardened against known threats.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a copy of the secure OS that can be loaded and discarded after use. This copying approach allows the secure environment to be refreshed from a known good state without requiring continuous updates to the main system, reducing update frequency while maintaining security.
3Reliability
If user diligence is required to follow security protocols, then security awareness is improved, but user convenience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically determines when secure operations are needed and switches to the secure OS without requiring user intervention. This self-service approach eliminates the burden of user diligence while maintaining security compliance through automated context-based activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system monitors operation context and provides feedback by automatically activating the secure OS when sensitive operations are detected. This feedback mechanism ensures security protocols are followed without requiring user awareness or action, as the system itself responds to contextual cues.
4Reliability
If the secure OS is loaded and executed, then security for sensitive operations is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The secure OS shares the same hardware platform and basic system resources as the main OS, merging infrastructure rather than requiring separate physical systems. This reduces overall system complexity while still providing enhanced security for sensitive operations through logical isolation and controlled activation.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Generally, this disclosure provides devices, systems, methods and computer readable media for context based switching to a secure OS environment including cloud based data synchronization and filtration. The device may include a storage controller to provide access to the secure OS stored in an initially provisioned state; a context determination module to monitor web site access, classify a transaction between the device and the website and identify a match between the web site and a list of web sites associated with secure OS operation or a match between the transaction classification and a list of transaction types associated with secure OS operation; and an OS switching module to switch from a main OS to the secure OS in response to the identified match. The switch may include updating state data associated with the secure OS, the state data received from a secure cloud-based data synchronization server.