USB Anti-Malware Adaptor for Scan-on-Copy File Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for scanning removable storage devices for malware in industrial control systems are either inefficient, as they require repeated scanning of USB storage devices, or inconvenient, as they may require the use of special-purpose devices that visitors are hesitant to use.
Innovation Solution
An anti-malware adaptor (AMA) that includes non-volatile memory to store a scan engine, allowing files to be scanned for malware when copied between a removable storage device and a host computer, thereby providing a convenient and efficient solution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dedicated scan box is used to scan USB storage devices, then malware detection capability is improved, but device complexity and operational inconvenience increase
Solution Approach 1:
The host computer is made multi-functional by enabling it to perform both industrial control operations and malware scanning functions. The scan engine is integrated into the host computer, allowing it to serve dual purposes: controlling industrial equipment and scanning removable storage devices for malware, thereby eliminating the need for a separate dedicated scan box
Solution Approach 2:
The malware scanning function is merged with the host computer system. The scan engine is combined with the file copying operation, so that scanning and data transfer are integrated into a single process within the host computer, reducing the need for separate scanning devices
2Reliability
If USB storage devices are re-scanned after each insertion, then malware detection reliability is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The scan engine performs malware scanning during the file copying process itself, rather than requiring a separate preliminary scanning step. As files are being copied from the removable storage device to the host computer, the scan engine simultaneously scans these files for malware, thereby achieving both data transfer and security verification in a single operation
Solution Approach 2:
The scanning operation continues concurrently with the file copying operation. Instead of stopping to scan and then resuming copying, the system maintains continuous file transfer while simultaneously performing continuous malware scanning on the incoming files, maximizing productivity without compromising security
Data Source
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AI summary
An adaptor includes non-volatile memory that stores a scan engine. A removable storage device is connected to the adaptor, which in turn is connected to a host computer. Files being copied between the removable storage device and the host computer through the adaptor are scanned for malware using the scan engine.