Network Connection Attestation for Malware Risk Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The connection of one computer system to another over a network poses a risk of malware spread, as there is no assurance that the connected systems are in a secure state after previous connections.
Innovation Solution
A first computer system is configured to provide an attestation to a second computer system, ensuring that the logic block of the first computer system has not established a connection with any other system since its most recent power-up or reset, thereby guaranteeing a freshly booted and potentially secure state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a computer system connects to another computer system over a network, then network communication capability is improved, but the risk of malware transmission increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary verification of the boot state before establishing network connections. The controller component checks whether the logic block has completed a fresh boot sequence and generates an attestation indicating the system has not connected to other systems since boot. This preliminary action ensures the system is in a known good state before network communication begins, preventing malware transmission while maintaining network capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller component acts as an intermediary between the logic block and the network interface. It monitors the boot process, tracks connection history, and provides attestations to incoming connection requests. This intermediary layer verifies the security state of the system before allowing network communications, thereby reducing malware risk while preserving network functionality.
2Reliability
If a computer system provides attestation information to verify clean boot state, then network security is improved, but the complexity of the connection establishment process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The attestation functionality is extracted as a separate controller component distinct from the main logic block. This dedicated component handles boot monitoring, connection tracking, and attestation generation independently. By separating these security functions, the system achieves improved network security through reliable attestation while managing complexity through modular design, where each component has a specific responsibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A process performed at a first computer system for establishing a connection over a network between a second computer system and a logic block of the first computer system, comprises: providing an attestation from the first computer system to the second computer system that the logic block of the first computer system has not previously established a connection over the network with any computer system since the most recent power-up or reset of the logic block.