Selective SSL/TLS Proxy Decryption for Resource Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing SSL/TLS proxies are inefficient as they decrypt all SSL/TLS-secured communications, leading to computational resource issues, network performance problems, management complexity, and privacy protection concerns.
Innovation Solution
An efficient SSL/TLS proxy that selectively decrypts SSL/TLS communications based on identification data such as URIs, FQDNs, and IP addresses, allowing for targeted decryption and inspection of plaintext content.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an SSL/TLS proxy decrypts all SSL/TLS-secured communications, then inspection capability is improved, but computational resource usage increases and network performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the set of all SSL/TLS communications into two distinct groups: those requiring decryption (based on identification data matching) and those not requiring decryption. This segmentation allows the proxy to apply decryption only to specific segments rather than processing all communications uniformly, thereby reducing computational resource usage while maintaining inspection capability for targeted communications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by applying different processing treatments to different communications based on their identification data. Communications matching the identification data receive full decryption and inspection treatment, while non-matching communications receive minimal processing. This localized approach optimizes resource allocation by concentrating computational efforts only where inspection is actually needed.
2Measurement precision
If an SSL/TLS proxy decrypts all SSL/TLS-secured communications, then inspection capability is improved, but network performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments traffic processing into two paths: a fast path for communications not requiring decryption (maintaining high network performance) and a slow path for communications requiring decryption (providing inspection capability). By segmenting the processing paths, the system maintains optimal network performance for the majority of traffic while enabling thorough inspection where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by performing decryption only on the portion of communications that require inspection, rather than applying full decryption to all communications. This partial approach maintains network performance by avoiding unnecessary decryption operations while still achieving inspection capability for the required subset of communications.
3Use of energy by moving object
If an SSL/TLS proxy selectively decrypts communications based on identification data, then computational resource usage is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring identification data (such as URIs, FQDNs, or IP addresses) that indicate which communications require decryption. This preliminary setup allows the proxy to make quick matching decisions during operation without complex real-time analysis, reducing computational resource usage during actual communication processing while managing device complexity through pre-established rules.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If an SSL/TLS proxy selectively decrypts communications, then privacy protection is improved, but inspection capability for specific communications is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing strong privacy protection (encryption) for communications not in the identification data set, while allowing full inspection capability for communications that match the identification data. This localized differentiation ensures that privacy protection is maintained where needed without unnecessarily compromising inspection capability for targeted communications.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, devices, and methods are disclosed for selectively decrypting SSL/TLS communications. Contents of the decrypted communications that may result in some action; for example, to terminate the communications, or to log and store the plaintext packets of the communications for subsequent content inspection and analysis. A SSL/TLS proxy may examine the information contained in the TLS handshake protocol and/or examine other information associated with the connection. Based on the examination, a proxy may determine whether or not to decrypt the encrypted communications. The proxy may take additional actions based on content inspection.