Credential Management Module for Converged Infrastructure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Managing credential information in converged infrastructure systems is inefficient due to the need for manual password changes across multiple components, which is time-consuming and insecure as passwords become well-known over time.
Innovation Solution
A credential management module (CMM) is introduced to centrally manage credential information by communicating with converged infrastructure elements, receiving credential policies, and automatically rotating access credentials based on set rules, reducing the need for manual intervention and enhancing security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual password management is used for each CIS component device, then administrative control is maintained, but the process becomes extremely time consuming and insecure as passwords become well known over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a credential management module (CMM) as an intermediary system that automatically manages credentials across multiple CIS component devices. The CMM generates, distributes, and rotates credentials without requiring administrators to manually access each device, thereby maintaining security through automated credential rotation while eliminating the time-consuming manual process.
2Reliability
If manual credential rotation is performed by accessing each CIS component device individually, then credential security can be maintained, but the administrative effort becomes extremely time consuming and inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The credential management module enables self-service credential rotation by automatically generating new credentials and pushing them to the appropriate CIS component devices without requiring administrator intervention for each individual device. The system autonomously manages the credential lifecycle, maintaining security while dramatically improving administrative efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The CMM acts as a centralized intermediary that manages all credential operations across multiple devices. It generates credentials according to policies, distributes them to target devices, and handles rotation automatically, freeing administrators from manual credential management tasks while maintaining security standards.
3Ease of manufacture
If software tables or handwritten data sheets are used for password record keeping, then credential information can be stored, but passwords become well known and less secure over a period of time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical systems (software tables and handwritten data sheets) with an automated electronic credential management system. The CMM generates and manages credentials electronically through automated processes, eliminating the security vulnerabilities associated with static, manually-managed credential storage while providing secure, dynamic credential management.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and computer readable mediums for managing credential information are disclosed. According to one method, the method includes, at a credential management module (CMM) associated with a converged infrastructure system (CIS), establishing communication with at least one or more converged infrastructure elements (CIEs) included in a CIS. The method further includes receiving a credential policy corresponding to each of the at least one or more CIEs and generating credential information in accordance with the received credential policy.