Virtual Host Authentication for Credential Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional network security solutions, such as firewalls and dual-factor authentication, are inadequate in preventing hackers from gaining access to internal networks using compromised user login credentials, especially through phishing, malware, and brute force attempts, posing risks to sensitive data and legal liability.
Innovation Solution
A security tool that launches a virtual host to authenticate users without connecting their devices to the internal system, using a combination of login credentials and dynamic alpha-numeric keys stored on both the user's device and an authentication server, which updates these keys with each access session, rendering stolen keys ineffective.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional network security solutions (firewalls, anti-virus software, dual-factor authentication) are used, then basic network protection is provided, but they are ineffective against hackers using compromised user login credentials
Solution Approach 1:
The authentication process is segmented into multiple independent stages: initial credential verification, dynamic key generation, and subsequent authentication using both stored credentials and newly generated dynamic keys. This segmentation prevents a single point of failure and requires multiple authentication vectors even if initial credentials are compromised.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static authentication credentials to dynamic authentication keys that are generated and updated during the authentication process. These dynamic keys change over time and are tied to specific authentication events, making stolen or compromised credentials useless for future unauthorized access attempts.
2Reliability
If dual-factor authentication with verification codes is implemented, then enhanced security is provided, but it is still vulnerable to phishing attacks where attackers can intercept verification codes
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary authentication and generates dynamic keys before establishing full access or communication channels. This preliminary action ensures that even if subsequent communications are intercepted or phishing attempts occur, the attacker cannot gain access without the dynamically generated authentication keys that are validated server-side.
Solution Approach 2:
The server acts as an intermediary that generates and manages dynamic authentication keys, mediating between the user's credentials and the authentication verification process. This intermediary control prevents direct interception of authentication factors by attackers and ensures that authentication decisions are made based on server-validated dynamic keys rather than client-generated codes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If users are permitted to access internal systems from external devices, then user flexibility and productivity are improved, but network security risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The authentication parameters change dynamically based on the authentication event. Instead of using fixed credentials, the system generates time-sensitive, event-specific dynamic keys with different parameter sets (key material, timestamps, session identifiers) for each authentication occurrence. This allows external access flexibility while maintaining security through parameter-based authentication control.
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a database and a processor. The database stores a key indicating that a user previously accessed a first subsystem. An authentication string stores a first part of the key and a first authentication server stores a second part. The processor receives a request from the user seeking access to a second subsystem. The processor launches a first virtual host to receive the authentication string and send it to the first authentication server, to extract the first part of the key, assemble a test key including the first and second parts of the key, and determine that the test key matches the key stored in the database. The first virtual host then launches a second virtual host to receive login credentials and send them to a second authentication server to authenticate the user. In response, the second virtual host provides the user with access to the second subsystem.