Disposable VMs with Onion Routing for Anonymous Browsing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users lack effective anonymity and privacy while browsing the internet, as their IP addresses can be revealed even when using VPNs, and existing solutions do not provide a secure, self-disposing environment for testing malicious software.
Innovation Solution
An automated system and method for creating self-disposing Virtual Machine instances that route internet connections through the TOR Project's network, allowing users to anonymously access the internet without logging user actions, with the option to specify a time limit for the VM's destruction, providing a disposable desktop for safe testing and enhanced privacy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If users connect directly to the internet, then internet access is straightforward, but user IP addresses are exposed and anonymity is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a disposable virtual machine as an intermediary between the user device and the internet. This virtual machine acts as a mediator that routes internet traffic through TOR networks, thereby protecting user anonymity while maintaining relatively simple connectivity for the end user.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the internet connection into multiple isolated components: user device, disposable virtual machine, and TOR network routing. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, with the virtual machine handling anonymity protection while the user device maintains simplicity.
2Reliability
If permanent virtual machines are used for testing malicious software, then testing capability is provided, but security risks persist from lingering exploits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements disposable virtual machines that are created temporarily for testing malicious software and then automatically destroyed after use or when security threats are detected. This disposable approach ensures that even if exploits are discovered, they cannot persist beyond the virtual machine's lifecycle, thereby maintaining security while providing adequate testing duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring the virtual machine with security monitoring capabilities and automatic destruction mechanisms before testing begins. This preliminary setup ensures that security measures are already in place and that the virtual machine can be rapidly terminated if threats are detected, without requiring post-exploit cleanup actions.
3Reliability
If virtual machines are destroyed immediately after use, then security is maximized, but user productivity decreases due to frequent setup/teardown cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic virtual machine management where the lifetime of each virtual machine is adjusted based on security conditions and user needs. Virtual machines can be destroyed immediately for high-security scenarios or extended for legitimate testing purposes, providing flexibility that balances security requirements with user productivity requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor virtual machine activity and security conditions in real-time. Based on this feedback, the system dynamically determines when to destroy virtual machines, extending their lifetime when safe and productive work is occurring, while rapidly terminating them when security threats are detected or testing is complete.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system ensures users' anonymity by routing connections through onion routing, masking their IP addresses, and automatically destroying the Virtual Machine after a set time, offering a secure, log-free environment for browsing and testing malicious software.
Implementation Method 1
The anonymity network gateway utilizes onion routing to transmit the second request from the virtual machine to the destination address
Data Source
AI summary
Information Security and privacy are the most critical aspects of the internet. The majority of the individuals that have access to the Internet have great difficulty understanding the basics of computers and how they work. This limits the ability of Internet users to protect themselves and their information while browsing the internet. With the creation and testing of SADD (Scalable Anonymous Disposable Desktops), Internet users no longer have to worry about protecting their computer or privacy.