USB Dock Antivirus Scanning and Port Token Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The security of computing networks is compromised by USB devices infected with computer viruses, as conventional scanning methods are not always effective and prohibiting USB connections can disrupt network functions.
Innovation Solution
A USB dock with a chassis, panels, and USB ports that automatically initiate an antivirus scan upon connection, allowing users to remove detected viruses and generate tokens for enabled ports, disabling infected ports if viruses are not removed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional USB scanning methods are used, then USB devices can be scanned for viruses, but the scanning is not always successful and users can abort or postpone scans
Solution Approach 1:
The USB dock automatically initiates antivirus scans without requiring user intervention. The system serves itself by detecting USB device connections and automatically starting scan processes, eliminating the need for users to manually initiate or monitor scans, thus ensuring scans are completed reliably without user abortion or postponement
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides visual feedback through LED indicators that show scan status and device connection status. This feedback mechanism keeps users informed about scan progress and system actions, creating a transparent automated process that reduces user anxiety and prevents unnecessary abortion of scans
2Reliability
If all USB devices are prohibited from connecting to the computing network, then network security is improved, but network functions requiring external storage connectivity are disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The USB dock acts as an intermediary device between USB storage devices and the computing network. It provides a controlled connection point where all USB devices must pass through, allowing the system to maintain network security while enabling necessary connectivity. The dock mediates by enforcing security policies at the connection point rather than blocking all USB connections at the network level
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments USB connection access by implementing port-level control rather than network-wide blocking. Individual USB ports can be dynamically enabled or disabled based on security assessment, allowing legitimate USB connectivity for approved devices while isolating infected or unauthorized devices to specific ports, thus maintaining both security and functional adaptability
3Reliability
If USB ports are disabled upon virus detection, then network security is protected, but legitimate USB device access is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
USB port enablement status is dynamically adjusted based on virus detection results and user actions. Ports transition between enabled and disabled states according to security conditions, allowing flexible response to security threats while maintaining access for legitimate devices. The system adapts port availability in real-time based on the security state of connected devices
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary antivirus scanning before fully enabling USB port access. By conducting security checks in advance and conditionally enabling ports based on scan results, the system prevents infected devices from gaining full network access while allowing clean devices to be immediately usable, thus protecting network security without unnecessarily blocking legitimate USB device access
Data Source
AI summary
A Universal Serial Bus (USB) dock for connecting a USB data storage device to a computing network. The USB dock includes a chassis for coupling the USB dock to the computing network, at least one panel coupled to the chassis, and at least one USB port coupled to at least one of the panels. The USB port indicates when a USB data storage device is connected to the USB port. The USB dock includes an operating system for booting the USB dock, for creating a table associated with the connected USB data storage device and for initiating an antivirus scan of the connected USB data storage device. If the antivirus scan detects a virus on the connected USB data storage device, an option of removing the virus from the connected USB data storage device is provided. If the detected virus is not removed from the connected USB data storage device, the USB port to which the USB data storage device is connected is disabled, thereby preventing the virus from entering the computing network. If the detected virus is removed from the connected USB data storage device, the operating system generates a token associated with the USB port to which the USB data storage device is connected. The token allows for enablement of the USB port to which the USB data storage device is connected. When the token expires, the USB port to which the USB data storage device is connected is disabled, thereby preventing enablement of the USB port to which the USB data storage device is connected.