OT Session Access Windows for Zero-Trust Timeouts
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Solution Overview
Problem
The traditional enterprise network security model, which relies on a well-defined perimeter, is inadequate in the era of cloud-based applications and mobile users, leading to increased security risks due to unsecured devices and unmanaged access to the Internet.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a cloud-based system that enforces time-bound session management using Cron expression policies within a zero trust framework, allowing or denying access based on time-based policy checks, and monitoring active sessions to ensure secure access to OT applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional perimeter defense models are used, then network security is maintained through well-defined boundaries, but security risks increase in cloud-based environments with mobile users and unsecured devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic access control policies that automatically adjust based on time, user identity, and session state. Instead of static perimeter defenses, the system continuously evaluates and modifies access permissions, enabling security mechanisms to adapt to changing cloud-based threats and mobile user scenarios while maintaining reliable security protection
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes security parameters dynamically by implementing time-based access windows, session duration limits, and conditional policy parameters. These parameter changes allow the security model to transition from traditional static perimeter defense to an adaptive cloud-based model that responds to different users, devices, and time periods
2Ease of operation
If continuous access is granted to users, then ease of operation is improved, but security risks increase due to prolonged exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic session management where access rights are automatically revoked after specified time intervals. Sessions are created, monitored, and terminated in periodic cycles based on predefined duration policies, ensuring that even if credentials are compromised, the window for potential harm is limited to the session duration rather than being continuous
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-defining session duration limits and time-based access windows before users attempt to access resources. These preliminary constraints are built into the access control policies, so when users authenticate, their access is automatically bounded by pre-established time parameters that prevent prolonged exposure
3Reliability
If time-based access policies are enforced, then security control is improved, but system complexity increases due to policy management overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal time-based policy framework that serves multiple security functions simultaneously. The same policy engine that enforces time windows also manages session lifecycles, evaluates user credentials, and coordinates with identity providers. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate complex systems while maintaining strong security control through centralized policy management
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for time bound session management for Operational Technology (OT) applications using Cron expression policies over zero trust. Various embodiments include receiving a request to an end system from a user; determining that the request requires a time-based approval; performing one or more time-based policy checks associated with the request; and allowing or denying the request based on the one or more time-based policy checks. The steps can further include monitoring an active session between the user and the end system; and timing out the active session based on time-based policy checks.