Cooperative Security Nodes for Latency Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current application-layer security systems face challenges with latency, throughput, and coordination of real-time and near-real-time responses to application-layer attacks and sensitive data misuse, as they are not effectively configured to leverage security events detected elsewhere in the environment in a timely manner.
Innovation Solution
A Cooperative Processing and Escalation System (CPES) that includes loosely and tightly coupled application firewalls, monitors, and data security enforcement points, with escalation rules and a Security Console for real-time and near-real-time escalation and offload processing, allowing for automatic or semi-automatic escalation and de-escalation of security nodes' status and activity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If application firewalls operate in real-time intrusively in-line with applications, then security detection capability is improved, but system latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the security system into multiple independent nodes (application firewalls, application monitors, data security enforcement points) that can operate in different modes. This segmentation allows the system to distribute security checking tasks, enabling some nodes to perform real-time inline inspection while others provide non-intrusive monitoring, thereby maintaining security detection capability while reducing overall system latency through parallel processing and selective engagement of security functions.
2Device complexity
If security nodes operate independently without coordination, then system complexity is reduced, but response efficiency to security events deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where security nodes share information about detected security events and states with other nodes in the system. This feedback loop enables coordinated response to security threats - when one node detects a security violation or anomaly, it can alert other nodes to adjust their behavior accordingly, improving overall response efficiency while maintaining manageable system complexity through standardized feedback protocols and escalation rules.
3Productivity
If multiple security nodes are tightly coupled for cooperative processing, then response coordination is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic coupling between security nodes, where the degree of coupling and coordination can be adjusted based on security conditions and system state. Nodes can transition between loosely coupled and tightly coupled modes, allowing the system to optimize cooperative processing efficiency when security threats are detected while reducing complexity during normal operation. This dynamic adjustment enables flexible response to varying security requirements without permanently increasing system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A cooperative processing and escalation method and system for use in multi-node application-layer security management is disclosed. The method includes the steps of identifying individual application security nodes, grouping and configuring nodes for cooperative processing, assigning the default operational mode at each node, assignment of logging and alert event tasks at each node, and defining escalation and de-escalation rules and triggers at each node. Both loosely-coupled and tightly-coupled configurations, each with its cooperative processing model, are disclosed. The method includes provision for central console configuration and control, near real-time central console dashboard operations interface, alert notification, and operator override of operational modes and event tasks.