Network Security Device Using Secure Tunnels for Policy Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network security systems struggle to apply security policies effectively to disconnected devices and local networks connected through third-party networks, limiting the portability and management of security protocols.
Innovation Solution
A security device that establishes a secure layer 2 or layer 3 encryption communication tunnel with a network's security system to receive and apply security policies, including threat intelligence data, allowing it to manage and extend network security features to local networks via a secure communication tunnel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If security devices are directly connected to the network to receive security protocols, then security policy management is effective, but devices connected through third-party networks cannot receive security policies
Solution Approach 1:
A cloud-based security policy server acts as an intermediary between security devices and the network. The server receives security protocols and threat intelligence data, then distributes them to security devices regardless of their physical network connection. This mediator enables policy delivery to devices connected through third-party networks without requiring direct network access.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a traditional network-layer security model to a cloud-based dimension. Instead of relying on physical network connectivity for policy delivery, the system uses internet-based cloud infrastructure to distribute security policies, adding a new dimensional approach to security management that bypasses network connection constraints.
2Adaptability or versatility
If security policies are managed locally for disconnected devices, then devices can operate independently, but security policy portability across networks is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The security policy server implements a feedback mechanism where security devices report their status, threat detections, and policy compliance back to the server. The server uses this feedback to update and redistribute security policies, ensuring all devices receive consistent, up-to-date security protocols regardless of their network location or connection type.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring security devices with baseline security policies and threat intelligence data before they connect to any network. This preliminary configuration ensures devices can operate securely independently while maintaining consistency with the central security policy framework.
3Reliability
If firewalls are dispersed at entry points to block malicious traffic, then network security is strengthened, but devices outside the network cannot receive security protection
Solution Approach 1:
The cloud-based security policy server provides universal security management capabilities to multiple types of devices across different networks. It can deliver security policies to traditional network-connected devices, disconnected devices, and devices on third-party networks, making the security system universally applicable regardless of network topology or connection type.
Data Source
AI summary
An out-of-the-box security device is described for a local network to extend security features offered by a communications network to the local network. Communications of the security device to the network may include a secure, layer 2 or layer 3 communication tunnel established with a security platform of the network. Aspects of the security device, such as a security profile and other security information, may be configured or provided by the security platform via the secure tunnel such that installation costs of the device are reduced. Further, the security features of the network may be extended to the local network via the security device for local networks that connect to the network through one or more other networks. Such security features may be provided by the security device at the local network or may be provided by the network based on a flag bit asserted by the security device.