Multi-dimensional attestation for platform security monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing computer security systems are limited in their ability to monitor, detect, and prevent cyberattacks, often resulting in delayed detection and vulnerability due to limited information gathering capabilities, especially in complex multi-layered systems.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of multi-dimensional attestation, which involves a verifier coupled with platforms that include a security co-processor and both volatile and non-volatile memory, allowing for continuous snapshot logging and analysis to identify and mitigate cyberattacks by providing detailed, real-time reporting across multiple dimensions of time and platform state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional computer security monitoring is used, then the system structure remains simple, but the detection precision and response time are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments security monitoring into multiple independent attestation dimensions: runtime attestation (monitoring executing code), boot-time attestation (verifying system initialization), and configuration attestation (checking security settings). Each dimension operates independently through separate measurement chains, allowing comprehensive monitoring without requiring complete system redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces multi-dimensional attestation by adding temporal dimensions (boot-time, runtime, post-runtime) and functional dimensions (code integrity, configuration validity, state consistency) to traditional security monitoring. This transforms single-point detection into continuous multi-axis observation, significantly improving detection precision while maintaining manageable complexity through modular architecture.
2Reliability
If continuous monitoring is implemented, then detection accuracy improves, but information processing load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts critical security-relevant information from continuous system operations through dedicated measurement mechanisms. Instead of processing all system data, it selectively measures and attests only to security-critical components (code integrity, configuration settings, key states), reducing processing load while maintaining high security reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates simplified copies of security-critical system states through attestation measurements. Rather than continuously analyzing the entire complex system state, it generates condensed measurement representations (hashes, digests) that capture essential security information, enabling efficient verification with minimal processing overhead.
3Measurement precision
If multi-layered platform monitoring is implemented, then comprehensive security coverage is achieved, but response time delays occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary attestation measurements during system boot-up and configuration phases, establishing baseline security states before malicious activity can occur. Boot-time attestation verifies integrity early, and runtime attestation continuously updates measurements, enabling early detection and response before attacks propagate through multi-layered platforms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous feedback loops where attestation measurements are constantly compared against expected security states. When deviations are detected at any platform layer, the system immediately triggers alerts and corrective actions. This real-time feedback mechanism eliminates detection delays by continuously monitoring all layers and responding instantly to anomalies.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for multi-dimensional attestation are provided. One method for multi-dimensional attestation includes upon occurrence of a triggering event, taking triggered measurements of a platform, the platform including a security co-processor and a volatile memory; extending a platform configuration register of the volatile memory to include the triggered measurements; taking snapshots of the platform configuration register over time; storing the snapshots in a snapshot memory; and upon request, sending the triggered measurements and the snapshots to a verifier for detection of potential attacks.