Hacking-Resistant Computer Partition Architecture
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current computer systems are vulnerable to hacking through malicious executable code received from the Internet, with existing software-based solutions being insufficient against sophisticated hacking attempts, necessitating a hardware-based approach to protect critical data and programs.
Innovation Solution
A computer system architecture with a first partition isolated from the Internet and other devices, utilizing hardware to restrict access and execution of malicious code, and a second partition for network communication, where data transfer is controlled to prevent unauthorized access and execution of critical data and programs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If software-based security measures are used to protect against malware, then the system remains connected to the Internet for normal operations, but the protection is insufficient against sophisticated hacking attempts
Solution Approach 1:
The computer system is divided into two separate partitions: a first partition that stores critical data files and is hardware-restricted from Internet access, and a second partition that communicates over the Internet. This segmentation isolates critical data from network-based malware attacks while maintaining Internet connectivity for normal operations through the second partition.
Solution Approach 2:
The second partition acts as an intermediary between the Internet and the first partition. It receives and executes programs from the Internet, and only transfers data back to the first partition through controlled data transfer mechanisms, preventing direct exposure of critical data to network threats.
2Ease of operation
If the computer is connected to the Internet for normal operations, then usability is maintained, but critical data files become vulnerable to malicious code
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments network connectivity functions into a dedicated second partition that handles all Internet communications. The first partition containing critical data remains isolated from direct Internet exposure, eliminating the vulnerability while preserving full Internet operational capability through the second partition.
Solution Approach 2:
The network communication functionality is extracted into a separate second partition that is specifically designed to handle Internet interactions. This extracts the vulnerability source from the critical data storage area, allowing Internet connectivity without exposing sensitive files to malicious code.
3Adaptability or versatility
If critical data files are made accessible for normal operations, then functionality is maintained, but access control becomes insufficient against determined hackers
Solution Approach 1:
Data storage is segmented into a first partition for critical data files with hardware-enforced access restrictions and a second partition for temporary data operations. This segmentation provides hardware-level access control that cannot be bypassed by software-based hacking attempts, while still allowing necessary data transfers through controlled interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements hardware-based access restrictions and memory protection mechanisms before any potential attack occurs. These preventive measures are built into the system architecture itself, creating a cushion of protection that prevents malicious code from compromising critical data even if the system is otherwise vulnerable.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer architecture is disclosed for implementing a hacking-resistant computing device. The computing device, which could be a mainframe computer, personal computer, smartphone, or any other computing device suitable for network communication, comprises a first partition and a second partition. The second partition can communicate over a public network such as the Internet, or over a private connection. In contrast, the first partition cannot connect to the Internet, and can directly communicate only with the second partition or with input/output devices directly connected to the first partition. Further, the first partition segments its memory addressing for program code and can be configured to hardware-protect that code from alteration. The second partition is hardware-limited from reading or writing to the memory addressing of the first partition. As a result, the critical data files and program code stored on the first partition are protected from malicious code affecting the second partition.