Dynamic Security State Transitioning for Server Availability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing computer security functionality is statically configured and unable to adapt to dynamic changes in security infrastructure, such as server unavailability, leading to inadequate protection across the entire product lifecycle and failure to address operational risks during product downtime.
Innovation Solution
Implementing dynamic security state transitioning techniques that allow processing devices to switch between multiple security states based on server availability, using different user authentication factors administered by various servers, thereby adapting to changes in security infrastructure and addressing multiple phases of the product lifecycle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If static security configuration is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to security infrastructure changes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic security state transitioning where the processing device automatically switches between multiple predefined security states based on real-time server availability detection. The system monitors server status and transitions between states (e.g., normal operation state, degraded state, emergency state) without requiring manual reconfiguration, thus achieving adaptability while managing complexity through automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes security parameters dynamically by switching between different authentication factors (e.g., from server-based authentication to local authentication, or from multi-factor to single-factor authentication) based on server availability. This parameter change approach allows the security configuration to adapt to infrastructure changes while maintaining operational continuity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple security states with different authentication factors are implemented, then adaptability to server availability changes is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-defining multiple security states and their associated authentication factors before actual failures occur. The system is configured with advance knowledge of alternative authentication mechanisms (e.g., local authentication, third-party authentication) that can be activated if primary servers become unavailable, eliminating the need for real-time decision-making complexity during critical moments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor server availability status and automatically trigger state transitions based on detected conditions. This closed-loop feedback system simplifies complexity management by automating the monitoring and decision-making process, allowing the device to respond to server failures without manual intervention.
3Reliability
If dynamic security state transitioning is implemented, then business continuity is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the processing device to automatically manage its own security state transitions without human intervention. The system self-monitors server availability, self-evaluates which security state should be activated, and self-executes the transition to the appropriate authentication mechanism, thereby maintaining business continuity while eliminating operational complexity for users.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are provided for dynamic transitioning among device security states based on server availability. One method comprises configuring a processing device to be in a first one of multiple security states, wherein the first security state comprises user authentication factors administered by one or more servers; transitioning the processing device to a different security state, in response to detecting a change in an availability status of a given one of the servers, wherein the different security state comprises a different user authentication factor administered by a different server than the given server; and initiating processing of a user request to perform a privileged action based on a result of an authentication performed using the different user authentication factor of the different security state. The first state and the different state may be associated with a different stage of a product lifecycle and/or with a different designated threat level.