Virtual Appliance Security via Segmentation and Intermediary
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Solution Overview
Problem
Consumer electronics type information handling systems face challenges such as high setup costs, limited flexibility in software and hardware distribution, lack of personalization, and inadequate security, especially when virtual appliances are lost or stolen, requiring secure and easy management with limited IT capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A consumer electronics type information handling system infrastructure architecture using a general-purpose virtualized platform with embedded security modules for authentication and periodic authorization, allowing secure and easy management of virtual appliances, including re-provisioning capabilities and support for pre-packaged software solutions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If virtualization enabled consumer electronics devices are provided, then flexibility in software distribution and personalization are improved, but security risks increase when devices are lost or stolen
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the virtual appliance into isolated components running in separate virtual machine environments. Each virtual appliance is contained within its own virtualized space with controlled access to host resources, preventing unauthorized access or exploitation from compromising the entire system. This segmentation allows flexible software distribution while maintaining security boundaries.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary authentication and authorization layer between the virtual appliance and the host system. This intermediary validates credentials, enforces access policies, and mediates resource requests, providing flexible software distribution while maintaining security through controlled interaction points rather than direct access.
2Reliability
If authentication and security measures are implemented, then security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual appliance authentication system implements self-service capabilities where the appliance automatically performs credential verification, license validation, and security handshakes with the host system without requiring manual configuration or user intervention. This automation provides robust security while masking the underlying complexity from end users.
Solution Approach 2:
Security credentials, authentication certificates, and authorization tokens are pre-configured and embedded in the virtual appliance before deployment. This preliminary action establishes security measures in advance, eliminating the need for complex runtime configuration and reducing the perceived device complexity while maintaining strong security protocols.
3Ease of operation
If pre-packaged software solutions are delivered, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability to different customer needs decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic configuration capabilities where pre-packaged virtual appliances can be selectively activated, deactivated, or reconfigured based on customer needs and licensing. The virtualization platform allows runtime adjustments to appliance parameters, enabling easy operation with pre-packaged solutions while providing adaptability through dynamic customization options.
Data Source
AI summary
A simple to customize secure IT infrastructure architecture. The IT infrastructure architecture includes a secure general purpose virtualized architecture platform. The IT infrastructure architecture is well suited for delivering simple pre-packaged software solutions to the small business segment as plug and play type appliances. In certain embodiments, the IT infrastructure architecture includes a secure virtual appliance device such as a virtual appliance universal serial bus (USB) key. The IT infrastructure architecture uses embedded server virtualization technology to host applications as a virtual appliance.