Dynamic Access Control Policy Retrieval Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional access control systems are rigid and require human intervention for updating access control policies, leading to service interruptions, delays, and security risks, especially in distributed environments where manual updates are necessary across multiple locations.
Innovation Solution
Implementing dynamic access control using Turing-complete programming language-based policy rules that can be automatically detected and distributed to policy decision points without human intervention, allowing for runtime conditional decisions based on contextual information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual updates are used for access control policies in distributed environments, then human control and verification are maintained, but service interruptions occur and updates are delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service through automatic policy rule distribution. The policy retrieval point autonomously monitors for new rules, retrieves them, and distributes them to policy decision points without human intervention, eliminating manual update requirements while maintaining security through automated verification processes
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by continuously monitoring for new policy rules before they are needed. The policy retrieval point proactively detects and retrieves new policy rules from the policy administration point, preparing them for distribution in advance, which eliminates service interruptions when updates are needed
2Manufacturing precision
If access control system is terminated for policy updates, then complete policy refresh is achieved, but system availability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamics by enabling policy rules to be updated and distributed while the access control system remains operational. The policy retrieval point dynamically retrieves new rules and the policy decision points dynamically update their local copies without system termination, maintaining both consistency and availability
Solution Approach 2:
The system ensures continuity of useful action by maintaining uninterrupted access control operations during policy updates. The automated retrieval and distribution process allows the system to continue enforcing access control decisions while seamlessly incorporating new policy rules, eliminating service interruptions
3Reliability
If human intervention is required for policy rule distribution, then control and verification are maintained, but manual effort and time are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The system eliminates manual intervention through self-service automation. The policy retrieval point automatically monitors for new policy rules, retrieves them from the policy administration point, and distributes them to appropriate policy decision points without human involvement, reducing both time and manual effort while maintaining accuracy through automated verification
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms to ensure accurate policy distribution. The policy retrieval point receives feedback about new policy rules from the policy administration point, and the system tracks distribution status to policy decision points, ensuring accurate delivery without manual verification
4Device complexity
If static access control policies are used, then system simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to changing contextual information is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static to dynamic access control policies. Policy rules are no longer fixed but can be updated at runtime based on changing contextual information. The policy retrieval point and policy decision points work together to dynamically retrieve and enforce updated rules, enabling adaptability while maintaining system structure
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables parameter changes in policy rules based on contextual information. Policy decision points can evaluate changing parameters such as user context, resource state, and environmental conditions, and retrieve updated policy rules that reflect current conditions, allowing the system to adapt without increasing structural complexity
Data Source
AI summary
Dynamic access control of resources in a computing environment is disclosed. A policy retrieval point continuously monitors at least one new policy creation location for a new policy rule. It is detected that a first new policy rule has been added to the at least one new policy creation location. The first new policy rule is stored in a core policy rule structure that comprises a plurality of policy rules. A request for new policy rules is received, and the first new policy rule is communicated toward a policy decision point in response to the request.