Secure Message Production via Independent EpSC Communication Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing computing systems face challenges in allowing third-party access to security-relevant data from an End-point Security Controller (EpSC) without involving the operating system (OS), especially when the system is powered down or the OS is not functional.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an apparatus, such as an EpSC, with a secure interface and independent communication path that allows data exchange with a third party using a communications interface separate from the OS, enabling secure data transmission even when the OS is not operational.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the operating system is used to manage data access, then data access control is simplified, but security is compromised when the OS is powered down or not functional
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the computing system into distinct segments: the OS running on the motherboard and the EpSC as a separate security controller. This segmentation allows the EpSC to independently manage security-relevant data without relying on the OS, resolving the contradiction by enabling security functionality to operate autonomously when the OS is unavailable.
Solution Approach 2:
The EpSC acts as an intermediary between third parties and security-relevant data. It provides a secure interface that mediates data access requests, eliminating the need for OS involvement while maintaining security control. This intermediary approach allows third-party access without compromising security or requiring OS functionality.
2Ease of operation
If the EpSC uses the same communication interface as the OS, then device complexity is reduced, but access to security data is blocked when the OS is not operational
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements separate communication interfaces for the OS and the EpSC. The EpSC has its own dedicated communication path that is independent of the OS communication stack, allowing it to respond to data access requests even when the OS is powered down or non-functional.
Solution Approach 2:
The EpSC is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a security controller and as an independent communication node. It can handle security data access requests through its own communication interface while also interacting with the OS when available, providing universal access capability regardless of OS state.
3Reliability
If the EpSC stores security-relevant data internally, then data security is improved, but third-party access to the data is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The EpSC's secure interface acts as an intermediary that enables controlled access to internally stored security-relevant data. It maintains data security by keeping data within the EpSC while providing a secure communication path that allows authorized third parties to access the data without compromising security boundaries.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces physical/data boundary restrictions with a secure communication interface. Instead of requiring data to be physically accessible or stored externally for third-party access, the secure interface electronically transmits data while maintaining security protocols, substituting mechanical access constraints with controlled electronic communication.
Data Source
AI summary
In an example, apparatus is described. The apparatus comprises a processor associated with a secure interface of the apparatus for managing communications with a communications interface communicatively coupled to the secure interface via a communication path. The apparatus further comprises a non-transitory machine-readable medium storing instructions readable and executable by the processor. The instructions cause the processor to receive, via the secure interface, a request generated by a requesting entity for the apparatus to provide information about a computing system associated with the apparatus. The instructions further cause the processor to, in response to the request, produce a message comprising the information, where the message comprises an indication that the apparatus produced the message.