Single Sign-On Authentication via VPN Proxy
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current VPN access methods require dual authentication steps, which are time-consuming and inefficient, despite not enhancing network security when using the same password pair for both logins.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a single sign-on authentication process by using a VPN server as a communication proxy to an authentication server, where a client device obtains an authentication ticket from the authentication server, allowing subsequent access to the VPN server without needing a second set of login credentials, utilizing secure communication protocols like HTTPS to maintain privacy and security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dual authentication is implemented for VPN access, then network security is maintained, but authentication time and user effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate authentication processes into a single integrated authentication flow. The VPN server acts as a proxy to the authentication server, allowing the client to authenticate once and receive both VPN access and authentication server access through a unified credential verification process, thereby reducing authentication time while maintaining security
Solution Approach 2:
The authentication server is designed to serve multiple functions: it both authenticates VPN connection requests and provides authentication services for other network resources. By making the authentication server universal, the system eliminates redundant authentication steps while maintaining comprehensive security coverage across different access scenarios
2Reliability
If dual authentication with separate credentials is required, then security is maintained, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the credential requirements for VPN access and authentication server access into a single credential set. The client device uses one username and password pair for both authentication purposes, eliminating the need to remember and enter separate credentials for each service, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining security through the unified authentication mechanism
3Ease of operation
If the same password pair is used for both authentications, then ease of operation improves, but security effectiveness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the VPN server as an intermediary that proxies authentication requests to the authentication server. This intermediary architecture allows the system to accept a single password pair from the client while maintaining security through layered verification: the VPN server validates the credential format and initiates the authentication process, while the authentication server performs the actual security verification, thereby preserving both ease of operation and security effectiveness
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the disclosure enable single sign-on for secure network services. In one embodiment, a method is provided. The method comprises providing, by a processing device of a first server, a prompt for first login information associated a second server. An authentication request is transmitted on behalf of a client to the second server to authenticate the first login information received from the client. An authentication ticket is provided to the client in view of the first login information. The authentication ticket is received from the second server in response to authentication of the first login information. A service request comprising the authentication ticket and a request to access a service associated with the first server is received from the client. Thereupon, access to the service by the client is enabled by applying the authentication ticket, without prompting the client for entry of second login information.