Security Agent Dynamic Port Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional identity management solutions in distributed environments are static and unable to adapt easily to changes in the access manager or environment, limiting dynamic control over access to resources.
Innovation Solution
A security agent connects to a policy server through a default port using a default protocol, analyzes communication ports to identify a preferred port, and adjusts its protocol to access policies for controlling access, enabling dynamic channel communication and single sign-on (SSO) access management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional identity management solutions hard code connection and protocol artifacts in each application, then access control can be implemented, but the system becomes static and unable to adapt to changes without modification of hard coding in each application
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a security agent as an intermediary component that mediates between applications and the access manager. The security agent contains the connection and protocol artifacts, allowing applications to remain simple while the agent handles all communication with the access manager. This resolves the contradiction by centralizing the complex configuration in the agent rather than hard-coding it in each application, thereby enabling adaptability without modifying individual applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The security agent is designed to dynamically discover and adapt to changes in the distributed environment. It automatically detects available communication channels and protocols, and can switch between different ports and protocols as needed. This dynamic behavior allows the system to adapt to changes in the access manager or environment without requiring manual reconfiguration or modification of hard-coded artifacts in each application.
2Ease of operation
If a security agent connects through a default port using a default protocol, then connection establishment is simplified, but the system lacks flexibility to adapt to preferred ports or protocols in the distributed environment
Solution Approach 1:
The security agent performs preliminary actions by first attempting to connect through a default port using a default protocol. This preliminary connection attempt simplifies initial connection establishment. If this preliminary action succeeds, the agent can proceed with standard operations. If it fails or if a configuration file is available, the agent then performs additional actions to discover preferred ports and protocols, thus combining ease of operation with adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The security agent dynamically adjusts its connection strategy based on environmental conditions. It starts with a simple default connection approach for ease of operation, but can transition to more complex port and protocol discovery mechanisms when needed. This dynamic adaptation allows the agent to maintain ease of operation in standard scenarios while gaining flexibility to adapt to preferred ports and protocols in distributed environments.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the security agent analyzes ports of communication to identify a preferred port, then adaptability to the distributed environment is improved, but additional analysis and decision-making steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The security agent performs port analysis and configuration file retrieval as preliminary actions during initialization. By completing the adaptability-related tasks beforehand, the agent establishes its operational parameters in advance. This preliminary action approach allows the agent to adapt to the distributed environment configuration upfront, avoiding repeated analysis during operations, thus reducing time loss in the long run.
Solution Approach 2:
The security agent autonomously performs port analysis and self-configures based on the distributed environment without requiring external intervention. It independently discovers preferred ports and protocols, and automatically adjusts its connection parameters. This self-service capability improves adaptability while minimizing time loss by eliminating the need for manual configuration or external analysis processes.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates generally to techniques for controlling access to resources accessible in a distributed environment. One of the techniques includes connecting a security agent to a policy server through a default port using a default protocol. The security agent is configured to intercept requests for access to a resource in a distributed environment, and work with the policy server to control access to the resource based on policies stored on the policy server. The technique further includes obtaining a configuration file from the policy server such that the security agent can initialize and determine the distributed environment in which the security agent resides, analyzing ports of communication within the distributed environment to identify a preferred port that is available for connection to the policy server, and connecting to the policy server through the preferred port to access the policies for controlling the access to the resource.