Hardware Appliance Dispatching Identity Information via Variable Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network-centric security models are complex and opaque, leading to difficulties in understanding and managing security, with users often circumventing security measures due to complexity, and existing solutions are expensive to administer, making a complete redesign impractical.
Innovation Solution
A user-centric approach using a hardware appliance, referred to as a 'vault,' that serves as a local security hub for storing and dispatching user identity information, employing a variable verification procedure that tests multiple verification factors and selectively releases information based on a combined verification strength exceeding a threshold.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If network-centric security models with multiple point solutions are implemented, then security coverage is improved, but system complexity increases and becomes opaque to users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple disparate security point solutions into a single unified hardware appliance that provides comprehensive security functions. This appliance combines identity management, access control, and verification capabilities into one integrated device, reducing the number of separate security components while maintaining or improving security coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The hardware appliance acts as an intermediary security hub between users and network resources. It mediates authentication and authorization requests by verifying user identities and managing access credentials centrally, simplifying the security architecture while providing robust security enforcement across multiple applications and services.
2Reliability
If complex security verification procedures are implemented, then security strength is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates and users circumvent security
Solution Approach 1:
The verification procedure dynamically adjusts the number and type of verification factors required based on the security sensitivity of the requested operation. For low-risk operations, fewer verification factors are required, while high-risk operations trigger more stringent multi-factor verification. This dynamic approach maintains strong security for critical functions while providing convenient access for routine operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes verification parameters such as the number of required factors, the types of verification methods (knowledge-based, possession-based, inherence-based), and the threshold for approval based on the context of the access request. This allows the security system to adapt its strength to match the risk level, improving user experience for low-risk operations while maintaining robust security for high-risk operations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If comprehensive identity management systems are implemented, then access control capability is improved, but administrative cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hardware appliance provides universal security services that can be shared across multiple applications, services, and users. A single appliance manages identity verification and access control for diverse workloads, eliminating the need for separate security systems for each application. This multi-functional approach reduces administrative overhead and costs while providing comprehensive access control capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service capabilities where users can independently manage their own identity credentials, update their information, and request access without requiring manual administrative intervention for routine operations. This automation reduces the administrative burden and operational costs associated with comprehensive identity management while maintaining versatile access control.
Data Source
AI summary
A technique for promoting network security employs a user-centric approach in which a hardware appliance serves as a local security hub for storing and dispatching user identity information (UII). The hardware appliance is configured to release UII in response to access requests by applying a variable verification procedure. The variable verification procedure tests multiple verification factors associated with an access request, assigns a verification strength to each factor, and selectively releases the requested UII in response to a combined verification strength exceeding a threshold.