Relay Proxy for Secure Network Traffic Interception
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems face challenges in configuring proxies to monitor and enforce network security policies across multiple applications on devices, particularly in educational settings, due to the complexity of managing direct Internet connections and sharing authentication credentials among applications.
Innovation Solution
A relay proxy is implemented on user devices to centrally manage network traffic, forwarding requests to a proxy server and inserting authentication credentials as needed, thereby simplifying proxy configuration and securing authentication across multiple applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If each application is configured to communicate directly via the proxy server, then network security policies can be enforced, but the configuration becomes time-consuming and difficult to monitor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a relay proxy application as an intermediary component that runs within the target application's process. This relay proxy acts as a local mediator that intercepts and redirects network traffic from the target application to the proxy server, eliminating the need for complex per-application proxy configuration while maintaining security policy enforcement. The relay proxy receives network requests from the target application and forwards them to the proxy server, which then applies security policies.
2Ease of operation
If authentication credentials are made accessible to every application, then Internet access is enabled, but security risks increase and credential management becomes inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The relay proxy serves as a secure intermediary that manages authentication credentials centrally. Instead of exposing credentials to multiple applications, the relay proxy holds the credentials securely and uses them to establish a single authenticated connection to the proxy server. All network traffic from multiple applications flows through this single authenticated channel, eliminating credential sharing risks while maintaining Internet access for all applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The relay proxy provides universal authentication service for multiple applications simultaneously. A single authentication instance established by the relay proxy serves all applications that route traffic through it, eliminating the need for each application to independently manage credentials. This multi-functional approach allows the system to support multiple users and applications while maintaining strict credential isolation and security.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple users share the same device, then device utilization increases, but tracking and managing user credentials across applications becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service credential management where the relay proxy automatically handles user authentication state tracking. When users log in or out, the relay proxy detects these events and automatically manages the authentication credentials accordingly. The relay proxy can switch between different user credentials based on the current active user, eliminating the need for manual credential tracking or configuration by administrators. This automatic self-management enables seamless multi-user support on shared devices.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A computer system for accessing remote content stored outside of a local network from within the local network comprises a relay proxy and a plurality of applications. The relay proxy receives a first request from a first application and a second request from a second application, the first and second requests identifying first and second remote content items respectively. The relay proxy forwards the first and second requests to a proxy server that manages network traffic entering and leaving the local network. The relay proxy receives responses to the first and second requests, with the response to the first request including the first remote content item and the response to the second request including the second remote content item. The relay proxy forwards the first and second remote content items to the first and second applications respectively.