One-Way File Transfer Verification Across Trusted Network Zones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing file transfer methods fail to ensure the safety of files transferred between networks of different trust levels, as they either delete malicious files without detection or require costly additional infrastructure, and there is a need for a method that guarantees the transfer of files while containing any threat of malicious content.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that receive electronic information from a lesser trusted network, verify it for predetermined characteristics, and forward it to a trusted network in a transformed or untransformed state using a unidirectional pathway, with a symmetric key for wrapping files that fail verification, ensuring secure transfer and forensic analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If file filters are used to block malicious files, then network security is improved, but loss of information occurs because the file is completely removed without detection
Solution Approach 1:
A unidirectional data pathway is introduced as an intermediary between the lesser trusted network and trusted network. This pathway allows file data to pass through in one direction only, enabling verification of file characteristics without allowing malicious content to execute or spread. The intermediary preserves file integrity while blocking harmful effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the network into distinct trust zones (lesser trusted network, trusted network) with a verification layer in between. Files are segmented into verified characteristics (safe to pass) and unverified characteristics (blocked or contained). This segmentation allows selective passage of information while maintaining security boundaries.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If files are redirected instead of deleted for analysis, then forensic analysis capability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional infrastructure requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The unidirectional data pathway acts as a simplified intermediary that enables forensic analysis without requiring complex redirection infrastructure. Files can be examined for their characteristics while the unidirectional nature prevents malicious content from affecting the trusted network, eliminating the need for complex isolation environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The verification system performs self-service by automatically analyzing file characteristics and determining whether to allow passage or trigger transformation. This automated verification process eliminates the need for manual forensic analysis infrastructure while maintaining the ability to detect and study malicious patterns.
3Reliability
If files are transformed using an electronic key, then security against malicious content is improved, but loss of information occurs because the original file format is altered
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes parameters of the file (applying electronic key transformation) only when verification indicates potential malicious content. The transformation modifies file parameters to neutralize threats while the unidirectional pathway ensures the transformed file cannot be used to compromise the trusted network. Original files that pass verification remain unchanged.
Solution Approach 2:
Different quality treatments are applied to different portions of file traffic. Files that pass verification maintain their original quality and format. Files that fail verification undergo transformation with electronic keys. This local quality approach ensures minimal impact on legitimate traffic while applying security measures only where needed.
4Reliability
If a unidirectional pathway is implemented, then security control is improved, but ease of operation decreases due to restricted data flow
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of allowing bidirectional communication and trying to block malicious content, the system inverts the approach by allowing only one-way data flow from lesser trusted to trusted network. This inversion simplifies security control because data can only flow in the safe direction, eliminating concerns about reverse contamination while maintaining operational simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method comprises; receiving original electronic information from a lesser trusted network in a first electrical zone; permitting electronic information to be transferred between the first electrical zone and the second electrical zone in one direction only; verifying the original electronic information for at least one predetermined characteristic within the second electrical zone so as to provide a verifier output status and verified electronic information; forwarding the verified electronic information to a third electrical zone. The original electronic information at the first electrical zone is received by the third electrical zone via the second electrical zone as verified electronic information in either a transformed state or an untransformed state. The transformed state or the untransformed state is selected dependent upon the verifier output status. The method further comprising creating an electronic key and providing the verified electronic information in dependence upon the electronic key.