On-Demand VPN Activation for Resource-Constrained Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for maintaining VPN connections are cumbersome and resource-intensive, particularly when accessing secure resources, as they require devices to remain signed in for extended periods, which taxes battery and network resources.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an on-demand VPN activation system that automatically connects to a VPN when a secure link is selected, using a proxy configuration to redirect the link to a secure application and disconnecting the VPN after the link is opened, thereby conserving resources and ensuring secure access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a device is kept signed into a VPN for extended periods to ensure access to secure resources, then security compliance is improved, but battery and network resources are consumed excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The VPN connection state is made dynamic rather than static. The system automatically establishes VPN connections on-demand when secure resources need to be accessed, and automatically disconnects when access is no longer needed. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt VPN connectivity to actual usage patterns, ensuring security compliance only when required while minimizing unnecessary battery and network resource consumption during periods when secure resources are not being accessed.
2Reliability
If a device is kept signed into a VPN for extended periods to ensure access to secure resources, then security compliance is improved, but network resources are consumed excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The VPN connection state is made dynamic rather than static. The system automatically establishes VPN connections on-demand when secure resources need to be accessed, and automatically disconnects when access is no longer needed. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt VPN connectivity to actual usage patterns, ensuring security compliance only when required while minimizing unnecessary network resource consumption during periods when secure resources are not being accessed.
3Reliability
If the VPN connection process is made cumbersome and time-consuming to ensure security, then security measures are strengthened, but user convenience is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring security policies, VPN profiles, and authentication mechanisms before the user needs to access secure resources. When a user attempts to access a secure resource, the system has already prepared the necessary VPN connection parameters and security context, allowing for automatic or streamlined connection establishment rather than requiring the user to manually go through complex VPN setup procedures each time.
Solution Approach 2:
The VPN connection process is automated to serve itself. The system automatically detects when secure resources need to be accessed, initiates appropriate VPN connections based on pre-configured policies, handles authentication without requiring manual user intervention, and manages connection termination when access is no longer needed. This self-service approach maintains strong security measures while significantly improving user convenience by eliminating manual VPN configuration steps.
Data Source
AI summary
On-demand activation of a security policy may be provided. Upon receiving a selection of a link, a profile identified by a security policy associated with the link may be activated and the link may be opened according to the security policy. In some embodiments, opening the link according to the security policy may comprise redirecting the opening of the link from a first application to a second application.