Zero-Trust Browser Isolation for Secure Internet Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing internet access systems face security vulnerabilities due to communication paths that allow malicious data to enter or exit networks, and user-level security configurations are difficult to manage with network-based solutions.
Innovation Solution
A zero-trust web browser is implemented, isolated from the operating system and other programs, using virtual containers and sandboxes to protect data, with features like virtual keyboards, content filtering, and centralized management to prevent data leakage and unauthorized access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a web browser is implemented with communication path to internet, then internet access functionality is provided, but security vulnerability increases allowing malicious data to enter or exit the network
Solution Approach 1:
The browser is segmented into isolated containers (web views) that are separated from the host operating system. Each container runs in its own sandboxed environment with restricted access to system resources, allowing internet communication while preventing direct access to the host system. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by enabling network functionality within isolated segments that cannot be compromised to affect the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary layer (the container/sandbox mechanism) is introduced between the browser and the host operating system. This intermediary controls and mediates all interactions, allowing the browser to access the internet while blocking direct access to sensitive system resources. The intermediary resolves the security vulnerability by acting as a controlled gateway that permits necessary communication while preventing harmful access.
2Reliability
If centralized network-based security management is implemented, then network-level security control is provided, but user-level configuration capability is lost and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Security management is given local quality by enabling each device to have its own configurable security policies at the user level, while still participating in centralized management. Different users or devices can have customized security configurations tailored to their specific needs, rather than a uniform network-wide policy. This resolves the contradiction by allowing both centralized oversight and local customization.
Solution Approach 2:
The security management system is made dynamic by allowing real-time configuration changes at the user level without requiring complex centralized intervention. Users can dynamically adjust their own security settings within policy boundaries, and these changes are automatically propagated and managed. This dynamic capability resolves the contradiction by providing both centralized control and user autonomy without increasing overall system complexity.
3Productivity
If traditional internet access systems are used, then data communication is enabled, but data leakage and unauthorized access risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The browser's data processing capabilities are extracted and isolated into separate containers that are taken out from the host system's direct access. Data communicated through the browser remains within these extracted containers, preventing it from being accessed or leaked to the host system or other applications. This extraction resolves the contradiction by enabling data communication while containing potential leakage risks within isolated boundaries.
Solution Approach 2:
Preliminary anti-action is implemented by pre-configuring the containerized browser environment with security restrictions and access controls before data communication occurs. The sandbox is established in advance with defined boundaries that prevent unauthorized access and data exfiltration. This preliminary protective measure resolves the contradiction by enabling communication while pre-establishing defenses against data leakage and unauthorized access.
Data Source
AI summary
An internet access system and method providing improved security. In one exemplary implementation, the internet access system may be provided as a web-browser which restricts certain functionality to prevent the access to and display of unallowed content. According to further aspects, the web-browser may prevent certain functionality in relation to displayed content such as copy functions.