Network Device Protection Through Private Relay Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Network protocols with privacy features complicate legitimate cybersecurity control, making it difficult to detect and manage network traffic for security, parental control, and privacy services due to encrypted DNS queries and SNI information.
Innovation Solution
A method to intercept and analyze network data to identify the use of privacy features like private relays, and if necessary, block the data connection, then switch to a network extension feature for cybersecurity actions, using machine learning to assess website reputation and potentially activating a VPN for enhanced security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If privacy features are implemented in network protocols, then user privacy is improved, but legitimate cybersecurity control becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system that sits between the encrypted network traffic and the cybersecurity control mechanisms. This intermediary decrypts or inspects the encrypted traffic using private keys, allowing cybersecurity controls to function on the decrypted content while the original encryption remains intact for privacy protection. The intermediary effectively bridges the gap between privacy-preserving encryption and security control requirements.
2Loss of information
If encrypted DNS queries and SNI information are used, then network privacy is improved, but detection and management of network traffic becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an intermediary that has access to private keys corresponding to the encryption used in DNS queries and SNI information. This intermediary can decrypt the encrypted traffic to enable detection and management of network traffic patterns, domain names, and content types while the encryption remains in place for privacy protection during normal transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical inspection methods (packet inspection, deep packet inspection) with cryptographic-based inspection. Instead of trying to analyze encrypted data through conventional means, the system uses cryptographic private keys to legitimately access and inspect the encrypted content, enabling detection capabilities without breaking the encryption for general use.
3Loss of information
If private relay services are deployed, then user privacy is enhanced, but network-based security analysis becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system that can access the encrypted traffic flowing through private relay services by possessing the corresponding private keys. This intermediary enables service providers to detect and analyze FQDN information and other network details that would otherwise be hidden by the encryption, while the private relay services continue to provide privacy protection for general users.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, apparatus, and a computer-readable medium for network device protection. The method includes: intercepting present network data related to a present data connection of a user apparatus; analyzing the present network data; and in response to determining that the user apparatus utilizes a privacy feature in the present data connection implemented by a first internet relay and a second internet relay, blocking the present data connection.