Dynamic SBOM Docking Control for Secure Edge Capacity Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing edge computing architectures lack the ability to dynamically check whether edge capacities have acceptable compliance and security compared to the network/cloud computing system, exposing the network to security threats.
Innovation Solution
Implement a BOM enabled agent on edge capacities to generate a BOM data structure, perform a lookup operation in a BOM controls mapping data structure to identify applicable policies, and enforce compliance and security policies before docking with the cloud computing system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If edge capacities are added to expand cloud computing network capabilities, then the network's processing and storage capacity increases, but security threats and compliance risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs security assessments and compliance checks before allowing edge capacities to dock with the cloud computing network. The BOM enabled agent evaluates security controls, policies, and configurations in advance, identifying and remediating vulnerabilities before the edge capacity becomes part of the network, thus preventing security threats from being introduced
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a BOM enabled agent as an intermediary between edge capacities and the cloud computing network. This agent acts as a security gateway that assesses, validates, and mediates the docking process, ensuring that only compliant and secure edge capacities are integrated into the network while maintaining network security
2Adaptability or versatility
If diverse edge capacities with different configurations are allowed to connect, then system versatility improves, but compliance verification complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal BOM data structure and standardized control framework that can accommodate diverse edge capacities with different hardware, software, and configuration variations. The same BOM enabled agent and assessment methodology work across all edge capacity types, providing a unified approach to compliance verification regardless of the specific edge device being evaluated
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts security controls and assessment parameters based on the specific BOM data returned from each edge capacity. The system modifies verification depth, control requirements, and policy enforcement levels according to the identified components, configurations, and risk profiles of individual edge capacities, optimizing compliance verification for each device type
Data Source
AI summary
Mechanisms are provided for controlling docking of an edge capacity with a cloud computing system. A bill of materials (BOM) enabled agent, executing on the edge capacity, sends a BOM data structure specifying components of a configuration of the edge capacity. A lookup operation of components of the BOM data structure is performed in a BOM controls mapping data structure to identify controls or policies applicable to the components of the BOM data structure. The identified controls/policies are transmitted to the BOM enabled agent for execution to determine if there are any violations. Results of the identified controls or policies are received which specify whether there are any violations of the controls/policies. In response to at least one violation being detected, docking of the edge capacity with the cloud computing system is denied. In response to no violations, the edge capacity docks with the cloud computing system.