Network Application Security Through Traffic Signature Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
User equipment (UE) has limited security controls, making it a prime target for unauthorized access by bad actors, who can compromise applications and gain access to sensitive information stored on the UE or connected servers, compromising the security of communication systems.
Innovation Solution
Implement an application security system within the communication system, including a network traffic monitoring tool, a traffic signature comparison tool, and an alarm tool, to detect and respond to security breaches by comparing actual network traffic with predefined signatures for authorized applications, and take actions such as issuing alarms or blocking access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If user equipment is used to access communication systems, then connectivity and information access are enabled, but security vulnerabilities arise due to limited security controls on UE
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a network-based application security system that acts as an intermediary between applications on user equipment and the communication system. This security system monitors application behavior, compares it against known signatures, and controls network access accordingly, thereby providing security without requiring changes to the user equipment itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the need for local security mechanisms on user equipment with a remote, network-based security system. Instead of implementing security controls directly on the UE (mechanical/approach at the source), the system substitutes this with network-level monitoring and control (approach at the destination/intermediary).
2Reliability
If network traffic monitoring is implemented to detect security breaches, then security detection capability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-storing known application signatures and behavioral patterns in the network security system before monitoring begins. This allows the system to quickly compare actual traffic against predetermined patterns without complex real-time analysis, simplifying the monitoring process while maintaining high detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by creating simplified representations (signatures) of application behavior that can be stored and compared. Instead of analyzing complete, complex application executions, the system works with copied, condensed signature data that captures essential behavioral patterns, reducing computational complexity while maintaining detection effectiveness.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for configuring a network of a communication system to secure applications executable on user equipment (UE) connectable to the network. The method includes receiving a predefined first traffic signature corresponding to a first application, and configuring a network traffic monitoring tool to detect an activation of the first application executing on the UE. The method additionally includes configuring the network traffic monitoring tool to monitor active traffic manifested on the network associated with the first application, configuring a traffic signature comparison tool to detect a security breach associated with the first application, and configuring an alarm tool issue an alarm and/or act against the first application.