Shortened URL Routing for Secure Zero Trust Web Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge of maintaining security and usability in a zero trust network environment, particularly when employees access company data from unmanaged devices and public networks, is addressed by allowing controlled access to external resources while minimizing security risks.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for generating shortened alternate URLs within a zero trust network environment to replace long external URLs, ensuring that browsing sessions remain secure by redirecting through internal URLs associated with the zero trust network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users are allowed to access external web resources directly from unmanaged devices on public networks, then usability and flexibility are improved, but security risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a URL shortening service as an intermediary between users and external web resources. When users access external URLs through the zero trust network environment, the system automatically shortens these URLs through a intermediary service. This intermediary mechanism allows users to access external resources conveniently while the system maintains control and monitoring capabilities, thus resolving the contradiction between usability and security.
2Ease of operation
If complete internet access is allowed to users connected to the company network, then usability is improved, but security risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of URL representation from full-length external URLs to shortened URLs that route through the zero trust network environment. This parameter transformation allows the system to maintain security controls while enabling internet access. The shortened URLs act as controlled access points that preserve usability while enforcing security policies.
3Reliability
If bar access to external resources altogether, then security is improved, but usability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than completely blocking external resource access, the patent implements an intermediary URL shortening mechanism that allows controlled access. Users can access external resources through the intermediary service, which maintains security oversight. This resolves the contradiction by providing a middle ground between complete blocking and unrestricted access.
4Measurement precision
If long external URLs are provided directly to users, then access accuracy is improved, but security control is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a shortened URL copy that represents the full external URL. This copied reference maintains the ability to access the specific external resource accurately while removing the security risks associated with directly exposing long external URLs. The shortened URL acts as a secure proxy that preserves access precision without compromising security control.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for providing web resources having long identifiers through a zero trust network environment. The method comprises receiving a request from a client device to access a web resource through a zero trust network environment, wherein the web resource is external to the zero trust network environment, the request including a first uniform resource locator (URL), and the resource further including a second URL having a first length; fetching the web resource based on the first URL; generating a shortened alternate URL based on at least a portion of the second URL, in response to determining that the first length exceeds a predetermined threshold; generating an alternate resource, the alternate resource including the shortened alternate URL replacing the second URL; and providing the alternate resource to the client device.