Virtual Machine Enforcer Software Restricting Unauthorized Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing virtualized computer environments lack effective mechanisms to enforce restrictions on virtual machine usage, access, and modifications, leading to security and configuration challenges, particularly in corporate settings where sensitive data and resources need protection.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method within a virtualized computer system that allows administrative access to set and enforce restrictions, using enforcer software to limit user interactions based on specified policies, with encryption and cryptographic binding of configuration and policy files to secure the virtual machine environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If administrative access control and enforcer software are implemented to enforce restrictions on VM usage, then security and protection of sensitive data are improved, but device complexity and system configuration complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an enforcer software component as an intermediary between the VM and the host system. This enforcer acts as a mediator that monitors and controls VM operations, enforcing restrictions on file access, network communication, and other activities. By placing this intermediary layer, the system achieves enhanced security without requiring fundamental changes to the VM architecture, thus managing the complexity increase through a focused enforcement module rather than system-wide complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the security enforcement functionality into distinct modular components: configuration files that define restrictions, enforcer software that implements enforcement, and integration points within the VM lifecycle. This segmentation allows each component to be developed, maintained, and updated independently, reducing the overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive security coverage across multiple enforcement points.
2Reliability
If encryption and cryptographic binding of configuration and policy files are implemented, then protection of sensitive data is improved, but ease of operation and system setup become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service mechanisms where the enforcer software automatically performs cryptographic operations including key generation, encryption of configuration files, and cryptographic binding of policy files to the VM. This automation eliminates the need for manual cryptographic setup by administrators, thereby maintaining strong data protection while preserving ease of operation. The system handles the complex cryptographic tasks autonomously during VM deployment and configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs cryptographic preparation in advance during the VM creation and configuration phase. Configuration files and policy files are pre-encoded with cryptographic bindings and encryption before the VM becomes operational. This preliminary cryptographic setup ensures that data protection is embedded into the system architecture from the start, rather than requiring complex post-deployment configuration, thus maintaining ease of operation while achieving strong security.
3Reliability
If multiple restrictions are enforced on VM operations such as file access, network communication, and device usage, then security and compliance are improved, but ease of operation and user flexibility decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic restriction enforcement where the enforcer software continuously monitors VM operations and applies restrictions in real-time based on configured policies. The system dynamically adjusts enforcement actions depending on the specific operation being performed, the current VM state, and the defined policy rules. This dynamic approach allows legitimate user operations to proceed smoothly while automatically blocking compliance-violating activities, thereby maintaining both compliance and user flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different restriction levels and enforcement strategies to different VM operations and contexts. Instead of uniform restrictions across all activities, the system configures specific restrictions for specific operations such as file access, network communication, and device usage. This localized enforcement approach ensures that users maintain flexibility for approved operations while compliance is strictly enforced where needed, optimizing the balance between security and usability.
Data Source
AI summary
An administrator may set restrictions related to the operation of a virtual machine (VM), and virtualization software enforces such restrictions. There may be restrictions related to the general use of the VM, such as who may use the VM, when the VM may be used, and on what physical computers the VM may be used. There may be similar restrictions related to a general ability to modify a VM, such as who may modify the VM. There may also be restrictions related to what modifications may be made to a VM, such as whether the VM may be modified to enable access to various devices or other resources. There may also be restrictions related to how the VM may be used and what may be done with the VM. Information related to the VM and any restrictions placed on the operation of the VM may be encrypted to inhibit a user from circumventing the restrictions.