Automated Credential Remediation for Network Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Networks are vulnerable to security breaches due to the use of default or weak access credentials, which are often overlooked by administrators, especially in complex and dynamic network environments where it is difficult to identify and secure all network elements.
Innovation Solution
An automated system that identifies and proactively addresses low-quality access credentials by attempting to access network elements with default or weak credentials, applying security processes such as changing passwords, disabling access, or quarantining the elements, and communicating changes to administrators to ensure secure configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If automated systems are deployed to identify and secure network elements with weak credentials, then network security is improved, but system complexity and resource consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables network elements to self-identify and self-report their credential status to the network administrator. Network elements autonomously evaluate their own security posture and initiate remediation processes without requiring manual inspection by administrators, thus improving security while minimizing the need for complex centralized management systems
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary security assessments and credential validations before network elements are fully deployed or before vulnerabilities are exploited. By proactively identifying weak credentials in advance and automatically remediating them through predefined policies, the system prevents security breaches before they occur, reducing the need for complex incident response mechanisms
2Reliability
If comprehensive security scanning is performed across all network elements, then credential security is improved, but processing time and computational resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies differentiated security scanning and validation approaches based on the specific characteristics, risk profiles, and credential types of individual network elements. Rather than uniformly scanning all elements with identical intensity, the system tailors assessment depth and frequency to local security requirements, reducing overall processing time while maintaining comprehensive security coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs focused security validations on critical credential attributes and high-risk network elements rather than exhaustive scanning of all credentials. By concentrating computational resources on the most vulnerable or important credentials, the system achieves sufficient security assurance with reduced processing time and resource consumption
3Reliability
If automated credential remediation is implemented, then security posture is improved, but network operations disruption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic remediation strategies that adapt credential strengthening measures based on real-time network conditions, service criticality, and operational requirements. Rather than applying fixed, rigid remediation protocols, the system adjusts the timing, method, and scope of credential changes to minimize disruption to ongoing network operations while still improving security posture
Solution Approach 2:
The system schedules credential remediation activities in periodic intervals and off-peak hours rather than continuously or immediately. By batching security updates and coordinating credential changes with maintenance windows, the system achieves progressive security improvement while minimizing impact on network productivity and user experience
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, devices, and methods are discussed for proactively addressing low quality access credentials in a network environment.