Remote Security Testing System with Integrated VPN
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing security testing systems face challenges in efficiently and securely testing large numbers of host devices across remote networked environments, often requiring physical presence and relying on third-party VPN providers which increase security risks.
Innovation Solution
A remote security testing system that includes a network interface system, scan processing units, and a control system to schedule and initiate security testing across multiple remote networked environments, using a virtual private network connection established directly between the security testing system and the access system, thereby eliminating the need for third-party VPN providers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical presence is required for security testing, then direct access to network devices is achieved, but travel costs and logistical challenges increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the network environment through VPN technology, allowing the security testing system to access remote networks remotely without physical presence. The VPN client software creates a virtual network interface that replicates direct network access capabilities, eliminating the need for technicians to travel to physical locations while maintaining reliable network access for security testing operations.
2Ease of operation
If third-party VPN providers are used, then remote network access is enabled, but security risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the VPN server functionality from third-party providers and integrates it directly into the security testing system. This eliminates dependency on external VPN services and their associated security risks. The security testing system now establishes its own direct VPN connection to remote networks, giving full control over the connection security and removing the intermediate third-party provider from the trust chain.
3Reliability
If multiple remote networks are tested sequentially, then comprehensive security coverage is achieved, but testing efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the VPN connection management by creating individual VPN interface devices for each remote network in the target list. Each VPN interface can be activated independently and simultaneously, allowing the security testing system to connect to multiple remote networks at the same time. This segmentation enables parallel security testing operations across multiple networks, dramatically improving productivity while maintaining comprehensive security coverage.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the present disclosure enable a system with limited computing resources to remotely perform security testing of a large number of host devices. These host devices may be included as part of a single networked computing environment or may be distributed among multiple networked computing environments. The networked computing environments may be associated with a single entity or multiple entities. The system can allocate its limited computing resources among the host devices based on a type of security testing and the amount of host devices to be tested. Further, the system can obtain secure access to the remote networking environment through a secure virtual private network connection to an on-site access system installed at a physical location of the networked computing environment.