Automated Parameter Value Generation for Distributed Systems
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In large distributed systems, manually generating and installing new parameter values, such as passwords, across hundreds or thousands of components is logistically challenging, time-consuming, and poses security risks due to human access to sensitive information.
Innovation Solution
An automated method that determines parameter value generation triggers, obtains parameter values in designated formats, and communicates them to appropriate components while implementing refresh policies, ensuring that the parameter values are not exposed to humans, thus enhancing security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual parameter value generation and distribution is used across distributed systems, then human control and awareness of parameter changes is maintained, but the process becomes time-consuming, logistically challenging, and security risks increase due to human access to sensitive information
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by implementing automated parameter value generation and distribution. The computing device automatically generates new parameter values, determines triggers for generation, identifies target components, and distributes values without requiring human intervention in the sensitive processes, thus improving security while maintaining efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical processes with automated computational systems. Instead of humans manually generating, tracking, and distributing parameter values across systems, a computing device with processor and memory automatically performs these functions, eliminating the time-consuming aspects while enhancing security by removing human exposure to sensitive information
2Productivity
If automated parameter value generation is implemented, then time consumption and manual effort are reduced, but system complexity and automation infrastructure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The computing device is designed with multi-functionality to handle various aspects of parameter value management within a single integrated system. The processor executes multiple functions including trigger determination, parameter value generation, component identification, and distribution, reducing the need for separate specialized systems and thereby managing complexity while maintaining high productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms by monitoring parameter values across components and automatically determining when triggers occur that indicate new parameter values should be generated. This closed-loop approach streamlines the automation process by using system state information to drive subsequent actions, improving productivity without requiring overly complex external control systems
3Reliability
If parameter values are periodically changed to increase security, then security is enhanced, but the frequency of changes increases manual workload and coordination requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The automated system performs security-related parameter value changes autonomously. The computing device monitors system state, determines when security-related triggers occur, generates new parameter values, and distributes them to appropriate components without requiring human operational intervention, thereby maintaining enhanced security through frequent changes while preserving operational simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by proactively generating and distributing parameter values before security issues arise. By continuously monitoring for triggers and automatically executing parameter value changes when conditions warrant, the system prevents security vulnerabilities rather than reacting to them, enhancing security while simplifying operations through advance automation
Data Source
AI summary
Automatic parameter value generation is disclosed. It is determined that a parameter value generation trigger associated with a parameter has occurred. A parameter value in accordance with a format of the parameter value is obtained. At least one location associated with a first component to which the parameter value is to be communicated is determined. The parameter value is communicated to the at least one location, and a parameter value refresh policy associated with the first component is determined.