Dynamic IP Whitelisting for Network Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Static IP address whitelisting becomes outdated when IP addresses are relinquished without notice, leading to network security issues as stale IP addresses are recycled and assigned to new parties with greater access privileges.
Innovation Solution
Implementing dynamic IP address whitelisting that regularly updates and filters IP addresses based on activity, removing inactive and risky addresses, and adjusting access privileges to maintain a secure and current whitelist.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If static IP address whitelisting is used, then access control is simple to implement, but the whitelist becomes outdated when IP addresses are relinquished without notice, creating security vulnerabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static IP address whitelisting to dynamic whitelisting, where the whitelist automatically updates based on current IP address assignments. The system continuously monitors IP address status and adjusts the whitelist in real-time, making the whitelist adaptive rather than fixed. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining high reliability through continuous updates while managing complexity through automated processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring IP address assignments and activities. When an IP address is relinquished or reassigned, the system detects this change and automatically updates the whitelist accordingly. This feedback loop ensures the whitelist remains accurate and current, resolving the issue of outdated entries while maintaining systematic control through automated monitoring and adjustment.
2Reliability
If dynamic IP address monitoring is implemented, then network security is enhanced by filtering inactive addresses, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service automation where the whitelist automatically monitors, evaluates, and updates itself without manual intervention. The system autonomously detects inactive IP addresses, evaluates their status, and removes them from the whitelist when appropriate. This self-managing approach enhances network security through continuous monitoring while avoiding the complexity of manual management processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by proactively identifying and removing inactive or risky IP addresses before they can be exploited for fraudulent activities. By continuously monitoring and preemptively updating the whitelist, the system maintains high security standards without requiring complex reactive measures, thus enhancing security while managing complexity through prevention rather than response.
3Loss of information
If frequent whitelist updates are performed, then the whitelist stays current with active IP addresses, but processing overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic updates to the whitelist based on monitored activity patterns and IP address lifecycle events. Rather than continuous updating, the system performs updates at strategically determined intervals or triggered by specific events such as IP address relinquishment or reassignment. This periodic approach maintains whitelist currency by capturing meaningful changes while reducing unnecessary processing overhead from constant updates.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for dynamic IP address whitelisting are disclosed. These techniques allow for better management of IP addresses and improve computer system and network security. In one embodiment, a system may execute a first task, at a first frequency, that includes determining, based on registered account activities corresponding to registered accounts with a service provider, at least one IP address associated with at least one registered account with the service provider. The first task may further include adding the at least one IP address to a dynamic whitelist (e.g., allowlist) of IP addresses. The system may execute a second task, at a second frequency, that includes removing, from the dynamic whitelist, at least one existing IP address identified as inactive. Thus, in various embodiments, inactive IP addresses can be removed from a whitelist while active IP addresses are periodically re-verified.