Operating System Integrity Validation via Quasi-Periodic Timer Checks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operating systems are vulnerable to subversion by viruses and malicious agents, leading to loss of control over machine resources and inability to enforce design parameters, necessitating a method to detect and validate the computer system.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that declares an integrity check program during booting, quasi-periodically validates operating system dynamic data structures using a secure timer and security logic, resetting the timer upon successful execution and taking corrective action if validation fails.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an integrity check program is executed quasi-periodically to validate operating system dynamic data structures, then the reliability of the system is improved, but the loss of time due to validation checks increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic integrity validation by executing the integrity check program at predetermined intervals (quasi-periodically) rather than continuously. The system uses a timer mechanism to trigger validation at specific time intervals, balancing the need for reliability monitoring with acceptable time loss. This periodic approach ensures the operating system remains trusted while minimizing disruption to normal operations.
2Reliability
If continuous monitoring of operating system integrity is implemented, then the reliability is improved, but the use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous monitoring, the patent employs periodic integrity checks triggered by timer events. The system transitions between active validation states and idle states, consuming energy only when validation is required. This approach maintains system reliability through regular monitoring while significantly reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous monitoring schemes.
3Reliability
If frequent integrity validation is performed, then the reliability is improved, but the productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent schedules integrity validation operations periodically rather than continuously, allowing normal system operations to proceed uninterrupted between validation cycles. The quasi-periodic execution timing is designed to minimize impact on productivity by selecting intervals that balance security requirements with operational efficiency, ensuring validation occurs only when necessary rather than at every system event.
Data Source
AI summary
Validating a computer system. An integrity check program is declared during booting of the computer system. It is determined whether the integrity check program quasi-periodically validates dynamic data structures of an operating system within a time interval.