Distributed Remote Access via Transparent Proxy Chaining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing VPN solutions are insecure and violate zero trust principles, allowing uninhibited access to enterprise networks, posing security risks for remote devices and increasing vulnerabilities, especially in distributed environments with multiple VPN clients needed for contractors and mergers/acquisitions.
Innovation Solution
A cloud-based system intercepts network traffic, identifies user requests, and connects devices to destinations based on access control policies, eliminating the need for multiple VPNs by proxying requests through a transparent proxy chaining mechanism, ensuring secure access to distributed environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple VPN clients are installed on end user devices to enable access to multi-party resources in distributed environments, then access capability is improved, but device complexity and security risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple VPN client functionalities into a single unified client application. This unified client manages connections to multiple distributed environments (enterprise networks, cloud services, partner networks) through a single installation, eliminating the need for users to install and manage multiple separate VPN clients while maintaining access capability across all environments
Solution Approach 2:
The unified VPN client is designed with multi-functionality to handle diverse connection scenarios including enterprise network access, cloud service connectivity, and partner network integration. A single client provides universal access capabilities across distributed environments through policy-based routing and multiple virtual network interfaces
2Ease of operation
If VPN clients are installed to extend network access to remote users, then network accessibility is improved, but security risk worsens due to uninhibited access
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by creating separate virtual network interfaces for different distributed environments. Each virtual interface has specific routing rules and access policies tailored to its destination, ensuring that users receive appropriate network access for each environment while preventing unauthorized access to other networks. This granular control maintains security while providing ease of access
Solution Approach 2:
The unified VPN client acts as an intermediary between the user device and multiple distributed environments. It implements policy-based routing that directs traffic through appropriate network paths, enforces access control policies, and prevents direct access to unauthorized networks. The client mediates all network communications to maintain security while preserving accessibility
3Ease of operation
If traditional VPN solutions are used to provide remote access, then connectivity is improved, but zero trust security principles are violated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic security policies that adapt to the specific connection context. The unified client dynamically routes traffic based on the destination environment, user identity, and current security policies. Access control decisions are made dynamically for each connection request rather than using static network-wide policies, aligning with zero trust principles while maintaining connectivity
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for transparent proxy chaining for distributed remote access. The various embodiments described herein include intercepting network traffic associated with an end user device; identifying a request to a destination from the network traffic, the destination being in a distributed environment of a plurality of distributed environments; connecting the end user device to the destination based on access control policies associated with a user of the end user device; and logging all traffic associated with the plurality of distributed environments.