Data Storage Device for Secure Cross-Domain Exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cross-domain solutions for secure data exchange between different security zones, such as those used in industrial control networks and office networks, are complex and not practical for data exchange via multiple distributed interfaces, especially when high security and robustness against attacks are required.
Innovation Solution
A data storage device with a storage unit, data validation unit, and access control unit that allows only validated data elements to be written and read between security zones, ensuring secure and manipulation-protected data exchange through a simple and cost-effective hardware-based validation process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional cross-domain solutions (firewalls, virtualization) are used for secure data exchange between security zones, then data security and manipulation protection are improved, but device complexity and implementation cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The data storage device is segmented into functionally independent units: a storage unit for data elements, a validation unit for pattern checking, and an access control unit for read/write permission management. This segmentation allows each unit to perform its specific function efficiently while reducing overall system complexity compared to integrated firewall or virtualization solutions.
Solution Approach 2:
The data storage device acts as an intermediary component between security zones, providing a hardware-based validation layer that mediates data exchange. The validation unit checks data elements against predetermined patterns before allowing access, serving as a simple yet effective mediator that reduces complexity compared to software-based intermediaries like firewalls or virtual machines.
2Reliability
If hardware-based data validation is implemented, then validation reliability and manipulation protection are improved, but implementation cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The validation unit, access control unit, and storage unit are merged into a single integrated data storage device that can be implemented as one hardware component. This merging reduces implementation cost compared to separate hardware validation systems while maintaining high validation reliability through hardware-based pattern matching and access control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If data exchange is enabled between security zones, then data communication flexibility is improved, but security risks and vulnerability to attacks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The validation unit performs preliminary validation of data elements against predetermined patterns before they are made accessible to other security zones. This preliminary action ensures that only valid, authorized data elements are transferred, reducing security risks while maintaining data exchange flexibility. The access control unit further enforces read/write permissions based on validation results.
4Reliability
If complex cross-domain solutions are deployed, then security coverage is improved, but ease of operation and integration simplicity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The data storage device is designed as a universal component that can be integrated between any security zones regardless of the specific security zone architecture. The device provides multiple functions (storage, validation, access control) in a single unit, making it easy to operate and integrate while maintaining comprehensive security coverage across different security zones.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a data storage device (10) for protected data exchange between different security zones (16, 17) comprising at least a storage unit (11), a data validation unit (12) and an access control unit (13). The storage unit (11) has a first interface (14) to a first security zone (16), via which the data elements (18) can only be written to the storage unit (11). The storage unit (11) also has a second interface (15) to a second security zone (17), via which data elements (18) can only be read from the storage unit (11). The validation unit (12) is equipped to check the data elements (18) written to the storage unit (11) for agreement with a predetermined pattern (22, 22', 22''). The access control unit (13) is set up to permit the data elements (18) to be read from the storage unit (11) only when the data elements (18) are found to be in agreement and are thus applicably validated.