Security Configuration Verification Using Simulated Attack Phases
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for verifying the configuration of security technologies on computer networks are inadequate, leading to potential misconfigurations that can compromise network security during attacks.
Innovation Solution
A method involving an attack validation scenario is deployed to mimic network security threats, where security technologies are tested for proper logging, detection, and alerting responses using a polling window and correlation scoring to flag misconfigurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If security technologies are deployed on a computer network, then network security is improved, but configuration errors and misconfigurations can compromise security effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by deploying test phases that simulate attack scenarios before real threats occur. These test phases proactively validate security technology configurations, identifying misconfigurations before they can be exploited by actual attackers. The system performs advance verification of security rules, policies, and settings through simulated threat encounters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms by collecting security event data from security technologies during test phase execution. The system analyzes this data to determine whether security technologies responded appropriately to simulated threats, then uses this feedback to identify configuration errors and generate remediation recommendations for improving security effectiveness.
2Measurement precision
If security event data is collected and analyzed, then configuration verification accuracy is improved, but system complexity and resource consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the verification process into distinct test phases, each targeting specific security technologies or configuration aspects. Security event data is collected, analyzed, and processed in segmented stages corresponding to different test phases. This segmentation makes the complex verification process more manageable and scalable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a dedicated verification system that acts as a mediator between security technologies and administrators. This intermediary system collects security event data, performs automated analysis, and generates verification results, simplifying the overall system architecture while improving verification accuracy.
3Reliability
If test phases are deployed to validate security configurations, then security effectiveness is improved, but network operations may be disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by deploying test phases that simulate specific attack scenarios rather than comprehensive system-wide stress tests. Each test phase targets particular security technologies or configuration elements, validating security effectiveness without subjecting the entire network to disruptive testing conditions. This selective approach minimizes impact on normal network operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action by scheduling test phases to execute at intervals or during maintenance windows rather than continuously. Security configurations are validated periodically through simulated attack scenarios, ensuring security effectiveness while allowing normal network operations to proceed uninterrupted between test executions.
Data Source
AI summary
One variation of a method for verifying configurations of security technologies deployed on a computer network includes: deploying a phase—within an attack validation scenario analogous to a network security threat and associated with a target response type—for execution by an asset on the computer network during a phase window; during the polling window following the phase window, polling a log of a security technology deployed on the network for a sequence of events associated with the target asset; correlation events, in the sequence of events, with the phase based on proximities of event timestamps to the phase window; and, in response to a difference between an event type of a first event correlated with the phase and the target response type, generating a prompt to reconfigure the security technology to respond to behaviors analogous to the phase, on the computer network, according to the target response type.