SDN Multiple OS Rotational Environment for Cybersecurity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cyber-attacks pose a significant threat to computing systems, particularly due to the unauthorized capture of data from network packets, which can reveal communication details, and existing technologies lack effective mechanisms to counter these threats by providing dynamic and diverse software environments.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a Software Defined Networking (SDN) multiple operating system rotational environment (SMORE) that periodically switches servers responding to user requests, using OpenFlow messages to modify packet flows and control data-link layer logic, ensuring attackers face an ever-changing software stack, thereby limiting their interaction time and allowing seamless removal of vulnerable software.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a static network environment with fixed IP addresses and ports is used, then network communication is simple and stable, but the system becomes vulnerable to cyber-attacks and packet interception
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic IP address assignment and port switching where network parameters change over time rather than remaining static. The system randomly assigns IP addresses from available pools and dynamically switches listening ports, creating a moving target that attackers cannot easily intercept. This directly addresses the vulnerability of static environments while maintaining operational reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic rotation of network configurations including IP address reassignment and port switching at scheduled intervals. This periodic change in network parameters ensures that even if attackers compromise one configuration, the system will eventually rotate to a new secure state, maintaining cybersecurity through time-based variability.
2Reliability
If the system frequently changes network configurations to prevent attacks, then cybersecurity improves, but connection stability and application continuity may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-establishing pools of available IP addresses and listening ports before attacks occur. When rotation is needed, the system has ready-made alternatives prepared in advance, allowing smooth transitions without disrupting active connections. This preliminary preparation maintains connection stability while enabling frequent configuration changes for security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary components including a network address translator (NAT) and listening service that mediate between external attackers and internal systems. These intermediaries absorb the impact of configuration changes, allowing the system to rotate network parameters while maintaining stable connections through the intermediary layer that handles the transitions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If packet flow is dynamically modified using SDN controllers, then the ability to counter attacks improves, but system complexity and processing overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The SDN controller is designed with multi-functionality, serving as both a flow modification controller and a network configuration manager. It handles multiple tasks including packet inspection, flow rule generation, IP address assignment, and port management through a single unified system, reducing overall complexity despite the advanced capabilities provided.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service mechanisms where the SDN controller automatically generates flow modification rules based on observed traffic patterns and threat signatures. The controller monitors network traffic and autonomously adjusts packet flow configurations without requiring manual intervention, reducing operational complexity while maintaining high adaptability to emerging threats.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and storage media for utilizing software defined networking for a multiple operating system rotational environment, executing on a computing device are disclosed. Some implementations may: receive a request from a user device; modify a packet of the request with a destination address and a port of a first server; forward the modified packet of the request to a controller server; receive a flow modification from the controller server based on the modified packet; and modify further received packets from the user device based on the received flow modification.