Web Service Security Cockpit for Policy Compliance
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Solution Overview
Problem
In service-oriented software environments, managing security policies across multiple web services consumed and served by various systems is complex due to the need for detailed security settings for each service, often leading to the application of a default or one-size-fits-all security model, which can leave systems vulnerable and difficult to manage.
Innovation Solution
A web service security cockpit framework that monitors and identifies unsecure configurations of web services by comparing configuration data against security setting rules, presenting unsecure configurations to users, and allowing them to initiate resolution actions through a user interface, thereby automating and assisting in managing security policies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If detailed security settings are applied to each web service, then security coverage is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments security management into two distinct layers: (1) organization-level security policies that define security requirements and rules, and (2) service-level configuration objects that apply these policies to individual web services. This segmentation allows comprehensive security coverage across all services while centralizing policy management to reduce operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal security policy framework that can be applied across multiple web services simultaneously. The security policy object serves multiple functions: it defines security rules, validates service configurations, and generates security assessments. This multi-functionality eliminates the need to manage separate security settings for each service, reducing management complexity while maintaining comprehensive security coverage.
2Reliability
If detailed security settings are applied to each web service, then security coverage is improved, but ease of operation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary security assessment mechanism that automatically evaluates service configurations against security policies. This intermediary layer handles the complex comparison and validation processes, presenting simplified security status information to operators without requiring them to manually analyze detailed configuration parameters, thus improving ease of operation while maintaining comprehensive security coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the security cockpit provides automated security assessments and notifications about configuration violations. This feedback loop continuously monitors service configurations and alerts operators to security issues, eliminating the need for manual security checks and simplifying operational workflows while ensuring comprehensive security coverage.
3Ease of operation
If a default security model is applied to all services, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to vulnerabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables dynamic parameter changes by allowing security policies to be adjusted at the organization level and automatically propagated to relevant services. The system can modify security parameters such as authentication requirements, encryption standards, and access control settings across multiple services simultaneously, maintaining ease of operation while ensuring each service receives appropriate security configurations tailored to its specific requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A first configuration object identifies attributes of a configuration of a first web service. Security setting data is identified defining a security setting rules for the computing system. The failure of the first attribute to satisfy at least one security setting rule is determined. A second configuration object is identified that identifies attributes of a configuration of a second web service. The failure of the second attribute to satisfy at least one security setting rule is determined. A service security cockpit is presented identifying that configurations of at least the first and second web services are unsecure, based at least in part on the determination that the first and second attributes fail to satisfy security setting rules. User input is received, through the cockpit, identifying a resolution action directed to resolve the first attribute failing to satisfy at least one security setting rule. The identified resolution action is then initiated.