Signed Inventory Metadata Models for Network Tampering Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inventory systems in complex networks lack verifiable traceability and are vulnerable to tampering, with inventory data not being derived from a metadata model, posing a threat to network integrity and authenticity.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system that digitally signs inventory metadata models, verifies their integrity, and audits inventory instances against the metadata models to ensure compliance, using a graph database and cryptographic signatures to prevent tampering and maintain authenticity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If inventory data is ingested from multiple sources without verification, then data completeness is improved, but data integrity and authenticity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary cryptographic signing of the metadata model before inventory data ingestion. This advance preparation creates a trusted reference framework that enables subsequent verification of inventory instances, ensuring data integrity is maintained while accepting data from multiple sources
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous verification feedback by comparing inventory instances against the signed metadata model. Audit mechanisms provide ongoing feedback to detect deviations or tampering, maintaining data integrity while allowing comprehensive inventory data collection
2Reliability
If cryptographic verification mechanisms are implemented, then data authenticity is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces a metadata model as an intermediary layer between inventory data sources and the verification process. This intermediary contains the cryptographic signature and serves as a reference framework, simplifying the verification of inventory instances against the established model
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a cryptographic copy of the metadata model that serves as a trusted reference. This signed copy enables verification without requiring complex real-time analysis of the original data sources, reducing system complexity while maintaining authenticity
3Reliability
If inventory models are digitally signed and verified, then tampering detection is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cryptographic signing of the metadata model is performed in advance, before inventory verification is needed. This preliminary action creates a ready-to-use reference framework that speeds up subsequent verification processes while maintaining strong tampering detection capabilities
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, obtaining a first file comprising a first model describing a network; obtaining a second file that is cryptographically signed, the second file comprising a second model describing the network; comparing the first model with the second model, wherein the comparing generates a comparison result; and responsive to the comparison result being that the second model is not identical to the first model, outputting a notification. Other embodiments are disclosed.