Protocol Isolation for Secure Data Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Standard electronic device architectures grant direct access to native resources, creating security vulnerabilities that can be exploited by cyberattacks, as native data communication components are susceptible to bypassing operating system supervision.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a 'safe case' with re-configurable non-native data communication devices and data converters that form protocol breaks in the communication path, managed by a controller, which disables direct access to native resources and uses non-Direct Memory Access connections to prevent DMA attacks, thereby isolating protocols and enhancing security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If direct access to native resources is granted to data communication components for performance, then productivity is improved, but security becomes vulnerable to cyberattacks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a protocol isolator as an intermediary component between the data communication component and native resources. This isolator acts as a mediator that allows data communication functionality while blocking malicious direct access to native resources, thus resolving the contradiction between performance and security by enabling controlled indirect access rather than complete direct access.
2Reliability
If protocol isolator is implemented to enhance security, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data communication system into distinct functional layers: the data communication component layer, the protocol isolator layer, and the native resources layer. This segmentation isolates security-critical native resources from direct exposure while maintaining communication functionality, thereby improving security without requiring complete system redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The protocol isolator creates a virtual interface or protocol translation layer that copies or emulates standard communication protocols while implementing security controls. This allows the system to maintain standard protocol compatibility while adding security functionality, reducing the perceived complexity impact.
3Reliability
If native data communication component is disabled to protect resources, then security is improved, but loss of information occurs due to communication disruption
Solution Approach 1:
The protocol isolator serves as an active intermediary that forwards and translates communication data between the disabled native data communication component and external systems. This ensures that no information is lost while the native component remains disabled for security, as the isolator maintains the communication channel with appropriate security controls.
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with some embodiments, a first apparatus that provides protocol isolation includes a controller, one or more re-configurable data communication devices operable to provide alternative transport of data for a native data communication device on a second apparatus to an external device, and one or more data converters coupled to the one or more re-configurable data communication devices. The protocol isolation method performed by the first apparatus includes establishing a local communication channel with the second apparatus. The method further includes exchanging the data via the local communication channel with the second apparatus according to a first protocol. The method also includes converting the data to a second protocol different from the first protocol. The method additionally includes exchanging, via a first re-configurable data communication device of the one or more re-configurable data communication devices, the converted data with the external device according to the second protocol.