Ghost Network Virtualization for Cloaked Attack Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network security systems, such as screening devices, are inadequate in preventing cloaked attacks as they fail to thoroughly inspect encrypted data packets and are resource-intensive, making them impractical for small to medium-sized organizations.
Innovation Solution
A virtual network, termed the 'Ghost Network', is created within a singular machine, which duplicates protected network components to pre-process data packets, applying deep validation and inspection before allowing them to reach the protected network, thereby enhancing security without the need for expensive hardware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If standard screening devices are used to protect networks, then basic port filtering is provided, but cloaked attacks can bypass the security measures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual network that pre-processes and validates service requests before they reach the protected network. This preliminary action allows the system to detect and block cloaked attacks in advance, preventing them from reaching the actual network resources. The virtual network acts as a proactive security layer that performs validation work beforehand.
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual network serves as an intermediary between external attackers and the protected network. It mediates all incoming service requests, validating them in a virtual environment before allowing legitimate requests to pass through to the actual network. This intermediary layer isolates the protected network from direct exposure to potential threats.
2Reliability
If powerful firewalls with deep packet inspection are deployed, then security is improved, but cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual network that is a simplified copy or representation of the protected network's service requirements. Instead of using complex hardware firewalls, the system uses software-based virtual network components that replicate the necessary validation functions. This copying approach provides robust security at lower cost and complexity by using virtualized software solutions rather than expensive physical appliances.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/hardware-based firewall systems with a software-based virtual network architecture. Instead of relying on physical screening devices, the system uses virtual network components running on standard computing infrastructure to perform deep validation and inspection. This substitution reduces hardware costs and simplifies deployment while maintaining or improving security capabilities.
3Measurement precision
If deep packet inspection is performed on all incoming data, then detection precision is improved, but processing time and resource consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network architecture into a virtual network layer and the actual protected network layer. Deep packet inspection and validation are performed specifically in the virtual network layer for incoming service requests. This segmentation allows comprehensive inspection to be applied selectively to traffic that needs validation, rather than uniformly to all network traffic, thereby reducing overall processing time while maintaining detection precision where needed.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are provided for network security. In one embodiment, the method involves receiving a data packet (e.g., from a firewall). The method also involves running an inspection of the received data packet within a virtual network, the virtual network duplicating at least a portion (e.g., servers(s) and/or application(s)) of a protected network. The method further involves sending the inspected data packet, or portion and/or modified version thereof, to the protected network, in response to the data packet passing the inspection within the virtual network. The method also involves blocking passage of the data packet to the protected network, in response to the data packet failing the inspection.