Device Control Driver Dynamic Access Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for controlling access to I/O devices are either all-or-nothing, requiring configuration changes or reboots to enable or disable access, lacking the ability to dynamically manage access permissions.
Innovation Solution
A device control driver is registered in the operating system to intercept I/O requests and communicate with a device control server, which determines access permissions based on policies, allowing or blocking access dynamically without requiring configuration changes or reboots, and can specify permission expiration times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If all-or-nothing blocking approaches are used to prevent device access, then device security is improved, but device flexibility and dynamic access control deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a device control driver that dynamically controls device access based on real-time policy evaluations. The system transitions from static all-or-nothing blocking to dynamic access control where the device control driver continuously monitors and enforces access policies, allowing or blocking device access based on current system state, user context, and policy rules without requiring configuration changes or reboots.
Solution Approach 2:
The device control driver serves as an intermediary component in the device driver stack, positioned between the device and the operating system. It intercepts I/O requests and communicates with the device control server to evaluate policies and determine whether to allow or block access. This intermediary layer enables fine-grained access control without affecting the underlying device or requiring system reconfiguration.
2Reliability
If device access is blocked by disabling USB ports or preventing driver stack loading, then device security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to inability to dynamically enable access
Solution Approach 1:
The device control system operates autonomously by automatically evaluating access policies and enforcing decisions through the device control driver. The system self-manages device access control without requiring administrator intervention, configuration changes, or system reboots. The device control driver continuously polls or receives notifications from the device control server to determine current access permissions and adjusts device accessibility accordingly.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes access parameters by modifying the device control driver's blocking behavior based on policy evaluation results. Instead of changing system configuration or hardware states, the solution changes the operational parameter of the device control driver (allow/block state) in response to policy decisions, enabling rapid and flexible access control adjustments.
3Reliability
If device driver stack loading is prevented to block device access, then device security is improved, but device functionality deteriorates as the device remains inaccessible until reconfiguration
Solution Approach 1:
The device control driver is pre-loaded into the device driver stack during system initialization or device connection, positioned to intercept I/O requests before they reach the device. This preliminary setup enables the system to rapidly allow or block device access by simply changing the driver's enforcement state, avoiding the need for reconfiguration or rebooting while maintaining security control.
Solution Approach 2:
The device control driver acts as an intermediary that allows the device driver stack to remain loaded and functional while controlling actual device access. It sits between the device and the rest of the system, permitting the device to be accessible when policies allow while blocking access when policies prohibit it, without requiring the device driver stack to be unloaded or reconfigured.
Data Source
AI summary
Access to devices can be controlled dynamically. A device control driver can function as an upper filter driver so that it can intercept I/O requests that target a particular device. The device control driver can be configured to communicate with a device control server to dynamically determine whether the current user is allowed to access the particular device. The device control server can employ policy or administrator input to determine whether access should be allowed and can then notify the device control driver accordingly. When access is granted, the device control driver can pass I/O requests down the device driver stack. Otherwise, the device control driver can block the I/O requests. Also, when access is granted, the device control server can specify a permission expiration time after which the device control driver should again resume blocking I/O requests.