Secure Container Agent Instantiation via Dynamic Token Retrieval
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Solution Overview
Problem
Scalable cloud-based services face difficulties in dynamically adding new containers with third-party agents in secure environments, as existing solutions require manual instantiation and are not well-integrated with container-based services, leading to complications in scaling and managing fluctuating processing demands.
Innovation Solution
A self-executing process that automatically instantiates agent instances in new containers by obtaining access tokens, retrieving preconfigured agent objects, and connecting them to servers, enabling the instantiation of both native and third-party agents in a secure manner, with monitoring to handle inactive agents and replace containers as needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual instantiation of third-party agents is used in new containers, then security is maintained through controlled access, but scalability is reduced due to manual intervention requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by allowing new containers to automatically retrieve and instantiate their required third-party agents without manual intervention. The container service automatically obtains agent objects from secure storage and instantiates them when new containers are created, eliminating the need for manual agent deployment while maintaining security through automated authentication and authorization processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-configuring agent objects in secure storage with appropriate access controls and authentication credentials before they are needed. When a new container is created, the system already has the agent objects ready and can immediately retrieve and instantiate them, enabling rapid scaling while maintaining security through pre-established access controls.
2Productivity
If automated agent instantiation is implemented, then scalability is improved through dynamic container addition, but security risks increase due to automated access to secure storage
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses an intermediary approach by introducing a secure token-based authentication mechanism between the automated container service and the secure storage containing third-party agent objects. The container service obtains temporary access tokens that mediate access to agent objects, allowing automated retrieval while maintaining security through time-limited, purpose-specific credentials that limit the scope and duration of access.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies parameter changes by transforming static security credentials into dynamic, time-limited access tokens. Instead of using permanent passwords or keys, the automated service receives temporary tokens with specific scopes and expiration times, changing the security parameter from static authentication to dynamic credential management that automatically reduces access rights over time.
3Adaptability or versatility
If third-party agents are integrated into container-based services, then functionality is enhanced through additional capabilities, but device complexity increases due to integration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies universality by creating a standardized interface and process that works with multiple different third-party agents through a common container service framework. The same automated retrieval, authentication, and instantiation process can handle different agent types (monitoring agents, backup agents, etc.), reducing integration complexity by using a universal approach rather than custom integration for each agent type.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, apparatus, and computer-readable medium are described that enable agent instances to be instantiated in secure, containerized environments. When a new container is detected, a list of agent instances expected to be running in a compute instance or in a container may be obtained and compared with status information regarding which agent instances are active. For a non-active agent instance, an agent object and configuration information for the agent instance may be obtained from a storage. Based on the available name, the agent object, and the configuration information, the agent instance may be instantiated and connected to an agent status server. An application related to the new agent instance may be deployed in the secure containerized environment.