Trust Tree Certificate Management for Distributed Service Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Managing access authentication in distributed systems across multiple trust domains is complex due to heterogeneous structures, and updating trust rules is time-consuming and resource-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system that utilizes a trust tree comprising certificates to manage access between services in a distributed system, where a first group of certificates is selected based on trust rules to enable access from one service to another, allowing for efficient and convenient authentication and updates to trust relationships.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex access authentication solutions are developed for services across multiple trust domains, then security and access control are improved, but system complexity and difficulty of management increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the authentication solution by introducing a trust tree structure that divides certificates into hierarchical groups (root certificates, intermediate certificates, leaf certificates). Each trust domain has its own segmented certificate chain, allowing independent management of authentication credentials across multiple domains while maintaining overall security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary trust rule engine that mediates between services in different trust domains. This intermediary component automatically selects and validates certificate groups based on trust rules, eliminating the need for complex manual authentication configuration while maintaining security across domain boundaries.
2Adaptability or versatility
If trust rules are updated to reflect changing requirements, then adaptability and security are improved, but the time and resources required for updates increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic trust rule management where the trust rule engine can automatically update certificate selections based on changing trust rules. When trust rules change, the system dynamically reconfigures certificate groups without requiring manual intervention, allowing rapid adaptation to new security requirements while minimizing update time.
Solution Approach 2:
The trust rule engine performs self-service by automatically selecting appropriate certificate groups based on updated trust rules. The system monitors trust rule changes and autonomously reconfigures authentication credentials, eliminating the need for manual certificate management and reducing update time and resources.
3Manufacturing precision
If manual certificate management is performed for each service access, then access control precision is improved, but computational resources and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates universal certificate groups that can serve multiple service access scenarios. Instead of managing individual certificates for each service pair, the system defines certificate groups that can be universally applied across multiple trust domain interactions, maintaining precise access control while dramatically improving management efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The trust rule engine acts as an intermediary that automatically selects and manages certificate groups based on service access requirements. This intermediary component handles the computational complexity of certificate selection and validation, allowing precise access control to be maintained without manual intervention or excessive resource consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
A trust rule between a first service and a second service in a plurality of services deployed in a distributed system is received; the trust rule defines whether the first service is allowed to access the second service. A trust tree is obtained for the distributed system, and the trust tree comprises a plurality of certificates for accessing the plurality of services. A first group of certificates is selected for the first service based on the trust rule and the trust tree, and the first group of certificates enables the first service to access the second service.