Dual-Processor Network Access Device with Type 1 Encryption Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users with Type 1 cryptographic equipment face inefficiencies and security policy violations when attempting to access a virtual private network (VPN) through a network access provider, as they must boot in unclassified mode, accept terms and conditions, and physically swap hardware, which is cumbersome and often ineffective without an unclassified hard drive.
Innovation Solution
A device with two processors and an encryption module allows conditional network access by receiving condition data, sending an acceptance signal, and using stored profile data to generate acceptance data, while blocking unencrypted data transfer, supporting Type 1 encryption to maintain security policies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a user with Type 1 cryptographic equipment attempts to accept terms and conditions for network access, then network access can be obtained, but the process requires booting in unclassified mode and physically swapping hardware which is cumbersome and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the cryptographic functions into distinct modules: a Type 1 encryption module for secure operations and a second processor for handling unencrypted data transmission. This segmentation allows the secure cryptographic operations to be isolated from the unencrypted data path, eliminating the need for complete system reboots and hardware swaps while maintaining security requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the first processor communicates acceptance signals to the second processor, which then transmits unencrypted acceptance data to the network access provider. This intermediary architecture allows secure cryptographic validation without requiring the entire system to operate in unclassified mode, simplifying the user experience while maintaining security.
2Reliability
If unencrypted data is blocked from being communicated from the first processor to the second processor, then security policy is maintained, but the ability to transfer data necessary for accepting terms and conditions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different security qualities to different data paths: the first processor maintains strict encryption for sensitive cryptographic operations, while the second processor handles unencrypted data transmission for acceptance communication. This local quality differentiation allows the system to maintain security policy compliance for cryptographic functions while enabling necessary data transfer for terms and conditions acceptance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the unencrypted data transmission function into a separate second processor that is isolated from the secure cryptographic environment. This extraction allows unencrypted acceptance data to be transmitted without compromising the security of the Type 1 cryptographic operations, as the unencrypted data path is physically separated from the secure data path.
Data Source
AI summary
A device that includes a first processor, a second processor, and an encryption module in communication with the first processor and the second processor may be used to accept conditions for access to the network. The first processor may receive condition data, and in response, may send an acceptance signal via the encryption module to the second processor. The second processor may receive the acceptance signal and, in response, may send acceptance data to a gatekeeper. The encryption module may block unencrypted data other than the acceptance signal from being communicated from the first processor to the second processor. The encryption module may support type 1 encryption.