Communication Device Countermeasure Switching for Vulnerability Updates

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing communication devices face challenges in efficiently updating and implementing the latest vulnerability countermeasures due to the time lag between vulnerability discovery and firmware updates, which can compromise security.

Innovation Solution

A communication device that receives and executes first countermeasures, then disables them upon receiving second countermeasure information from a server, allowing for the implementation of the latest countermeasures, including firmware updates, while storing the latest countermeasure information in its memory.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the communication device waits for firmware updates from the server, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but the time lag between vulnerability discovery and countermeasure implementation increases, compromising security

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesecurityVSAvoidtime lag

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The communication device proactively pulls vulnerability countermeasure information from the server before vulnerabilities are exploited or become critical. The device periodically queries the server for updated countermeasure information and executes them in advance, eliminating the passive waiting period for firmware updates and reducing the time lag between vulnerability discovery and countermeasure implementation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system establishes a continuous feedback loop where the communication device regularly checks with the server for updated vulnerability countermeasure information. The device receives feedback from the server about new vulnerabilities and countermeasures, processes this information, and automatically updates its security posture. This feedback mechanism ensures the device maintains current security measures without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If the communication device automatically executes countermeasures from the server, then productivity is improved and manual intervention is reduced, but the risk of executing outdated or incorrect countermeasures increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecountermeasure implementation efficiencyVSAvoidcountermeasure accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The communication device implements a feedback-based verification process where it receives countermeasure information from the server, validates the information against its current vulnerability status, and only executes verified countermeasures. The device continuously monitors for updates and replaces executed countermeasures when newer versions are available, ensuring accuracy while maintaining automated efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The countermeasure execution system is designed to be dynamic rather than static. The device can adapt its security measures in real-time based on incoming information from the server. When new countermeasure information is received, the device dynamically updates its security configuration, replacing old countermeasures with new ones without requiring manual reconfiguration, thus maintaining both automation and accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If the communication device frequently checks for updates from the server, then the latest countermeasures are obtained quickly, but the use of energy and communication resources increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity currencyVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The communication device employs periodic checking rather than continuous polling. It checks for vulnerability countermeasure information at predetermined intervals, balancing the need for current security information with energy conservation. This periodic action ensures the device obtains updates promptly while avoiding excessive energy consumption associated with constant server communication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS12518022B2Communication device, non-transitory computer-readable recording medium storing computer-readable instructions for communication device, and method performed by communication device

Publication Date: 2026.01.06 BROTHER KOGYO KK

AI summary

A communication device may: receive, from a server, first countermeasure information corresponding to a first countermeasure for a first vulnerability of the communication device; in a case where the first countermeasure information is received from the server, execute the first countermeasure; in a situation where the communication device is executing the first countermeasure, receive, from the server, second countermeasure information corresponding to a second countermeasure for the first vulnerability; in a case where the second countermeasure information is received from the server, disable the first countermeasure; and in the case where the second countermeasure information is received from the server, execute the second countermeasure.