Peripheral Connection Intermediary for USB Malware Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems lack effective methods to secure and monitor peripheral devices connected via standard interfaces like USB, particularly against malware threats.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for securely connecting peripheral devices to a host device using a standard interface, which includes monitoring and isolating device activity to detect and mitigate malware threats.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If peripheral devices are connected via standard interfaces like USB, then device compatibility and ease of operation are improved, but security vulnerabilities and malware threats increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a security monitoring system that acts as an intermediary between the host device and peripheral devices. This intermediary monitors device activity, detects malware behavior, and can isolate threatened devices, thereby maintaining secure connections while enabling standard interface connectivity.
2Reliability
If security monitoring and isolation mechanisms are implemented, then malware detection capability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the system into distinct functional components: a host device, peripheral devices, a security monitoring system, and an isolation mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, managing complexity through modular design while maintaining comprehensive security monitoring.
3Reliability
If device activity is monitored and isolated when threats are detected, then security reliability is improved, but device operation time is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary anti-action by proactively monitoring device activity for malware indicators before significant harm can occur. The system detects suspicious behaviors early and isolates devices preemptively, preventing malware propagation while minimizing disruption to legitimate device operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A device connectable between a host computer and a computer peripheral over a standard bus interface is disclosed, used to improve security, and to detect and prevent malware operation. Messages passing between the host computer and the computer peripherals are intercepted and analyzed based on pre-configured criteria, and legitimate messages transparently pass through the device, while suspected messages are blocked. The device communicates with the host computer and the computer peripheral using proprietary or industry standard protocol or bus, which may be based on a point-to-point serial communication such as USB or SATA. The messages may be stored in the device for future analysis, and may be blocked based on current or past analysis of the messages. The device may serve as a VPN client and securely communicate with a VPN server using the host Internet connection.