Abstract:
The present invention provides a portable security policy and environment, which can accompany a user conveniently, wherever the user goes. The portable security policy and environment involves authenticating the identity of a client end, checking the security environment of the client end, generating policy based on the security environment, and delivering policy to network devices.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    This invention relates to security policy and environment, and more particularly, to a portable security policy and environment with convenience. 
       BACKGROUND ART 
       [0002]    In a mobile environment security is a main concern. Different users present different user devices to varying security environments. Since these user devices may not be compatible with the varying security environments, security is typically not implemented. As a result, user devices may not be secure when communicating in a mobile environment. 
         [0003]    So this invention provides portable policies and profiles to establish a security environment, wherever the users are, whatever platforms the users use, portable security will go with them, including the portable secure policy and user profile. 
         [0004]    And furthermore, this invention-covers 3 main parts, Client token, OS security, and Network security. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    The techniques described herein are directed toward network security policy and environment. According to one embodiment of the present invention there is provided a portable security policy and environment for users from Intranet and/or Internet. The portable security policy and environment comprises a portable device which contains the identity of the user and the default profiles of the user, a client end for inserting the portable device, and a policy server for authenticating the identity of the user, for checking security environment of the client end, for generating policy for the client end, and for delivering policy to network devices. 
     
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0006]    The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention: 
           [0007]      FIG. 1  illustrates a diagram showing a security environment which the user logs in is from Local Area Network (LAN), in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0008]      FIG. 2  illustrates a diagram showing a security environment which the user logs in is from Wide Area Network (WAN), in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0009]      FIG. 3  illustrates a flow chart of a portable security environment, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0010]    Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the invention will be described in conjunction with the preferred embodiments, it will be understood that they are not intended to limit the invention to these embodiments. On the contrary, the invention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications and equivalents, which may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, in the following detailed description of embodiments of the present invention, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, and circuits have not been described in detail as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the embodiments of the present invention. 
         [0011]    Some portions of the detailed descriptions, which follow, are presented in terms of procedures, steps, logic blocks, processing, and other symbolic representations of operations on data bits within a computer memory. These descriptions and representations are the means used by those skilled in the data processing arts to most effectively convey the substance of their work to others skilled in the art. A procedure, computer executed step, logic block, process, etc., is here, and generally, conceived to be a self-consistent sequence of steps or instructions leading to a desired result. The steps are those requiring physical manipulations of physical quantities. Usually, though not necessarily, these quantities take the form of electrical or magnetic signals capable of being stored, transferred, combined, compared, and otherwise manipulated in a computer system. It has proven convenient at times, principally for reasons of common usage, to refer to these signals as bits, values, elements, symbols, characters, terms, numbers, or the like. 
         [0012]    It should be borne in mind, however, that all of these and similar terms are to be associated with the appropriate physical quantities and are merely convenient labels applied to these quantities. Unless specifically stated otherwise as apparent from the following discussions, it is appreciated that throughout the present invention, discussions utilizing terms, or similar electronic computing device, that manipulates and transforms data represented as physical (electronic) quantities within the computer system&#39;s registers and memories into other data similarly represented as physical quantities within the computer system memories or registers or other such information storage, transmission or display devices. 
         [0013]    Embodiments of the present invention comprise three main parts: Client token, OS security, and network security. Embodiments of the present invention use portable policy and profiles to establish a secure environment no matter where the end-user goes, and no matter what platform the user uses. As such, the portable security will go with them, including the portable secure policy and user profile. This establishes a convenient and safe security environment. 
         [0014]      FIG. 1  illustrates a diagram showing a security system which the user logs into in a Local Area Network (LAN), in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0015]    The system provides an integrated way of detecting the health state of an intranet client that is attempting to connect to or communicate on a network and limiting the access of the network client until the health policy requirements have been met. The policy requirements comprise installed applications, installed patches, configurations, device performance, hardware components and/or the like. 
         [0016]    To validate access to a network based on system health, a network infrastructure needs to provide the following areas of functionality: health policy validation, which determines whether the computers are compliant with health policy requirements; Network access limitation, which limits access for noncompliant computers; Automatic remediation, which provides necessary updates to allow a noncompliant computer to become compliant. Ongoing compliance, which automatically updates compliant computers so that they adhere to ongoing changes in health policy requirements. 
         [0017]    In a policy-based network, the resources can be allocated by the policy server based on the time of day, client authorization privileges, availability of network resources, and any other factors that the network manager may specify when composing the policy. With respect to files and documents, the policy server can allow or deny access, control the extent to which a client can use the document (for example, one-time printing or downloading only), track client use patterns, log changes or modifications, provide automatic updates, eliminate unnecessary redundancy, minimize the need to re-issue documents, and delete outdated data. A policy server can be an important component of networks in which client privacy must be protected (as in medical records) or secrecy maintained (as in military operations). 
         [0018]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , a user from LAN inserts a portable ID device into a Client End  101  to log in. The client end  101  automatically installs a Security Agent. The Security Agent automatically enables a network encryption connection. That is, the present embodiment registers into the Policy Server  106  through any service ports which can connect to the outside web (e.g., Internet). The client end  101  may include personal computers, server computers, client devices, routers, switches, wireless access points, security appliances, hand-held or laptop devices, set top boxes, programmable consumer electronics, minicomputers, mainframe computers, or the like. 
         [0019]    The security system  100  comprises a policy server  106 , which is the core device of the security system  100 . The policy server  106  provides authorization services and facilitates tracking and control of files. The policy server accepts access control requests, processes them against a formal set of statements that define how the network&#39;s resources are to be allocated among its clients (known as the policy), and returns access control responses. 
         [0020]    If the client end  101  succeeds registering into the Policy Server  106 , then the policy server  106  makes the client end  101  pass Authentication. That is, the policy server  106  checks the identity of the client end  101 . 
         [0021]    If the client end  101  passes the Authentication, the policy server starts auto downloading latest checklist. That is, the policy server checks whether the client end meets the policy security requirements. More specifically, the policy requirements indicate the computer device status with respect to criteria such as installed applications, installed patches, configurations, device performance, hardware components and/or the like. 
         [0022]    The client end  101  automatically downloads the latest security checklist from the policy server  106 . Meanwhile, the policy server  106  automatically starts a host check for the client end  101 . The host check between the policy server  106  and the client end includes, but is not limited to the following items: System Patch, Anti-virus Pattern, file check, process check, local IP, and device check. 
         [0023]    The host check is a measure of the trustworthiness of the client end  101 . In particular, if the client end is indicative of a healthy state, the request if forwarded to the intended destination. If the client end is indicative of an unhealthy state, the communication traffic of the request may be dropped. In another implementation, if the client end is indicative of an unhealthy state, the request may be filtered or limited according to one or more conventional network provisioning and traffic parameters. In yet another implementation, if the client end is indicative of an unhealthy state the request may be directed. The request may be redirected by pushing the source and/or destination device to an appropriate resource for updating the state of the device. For example, the source computing device may be directed to a server where its operating system may be updated with a current security patch. 
         [0024]    On the other hand, if the client end  101  matches the security criteria, the Policy Server  106  dynamically generates a predefined client policy based on identity and environment of the client end  101 . The policy server deploys dynamic policy into the client end  101 , and network devices such as switch  112 / 104 , wireless AP, Firewall (FW)  114 , Invader Protection System (IPS/IDP)  110 , Server Farm  108 , and the like. 
         [0025]    In another embodiment, if the client end fails to connect to the policy server  106 , then the policy server  106  executes the Local Authentication. If the user passes the local authentication, then the client end  101  loads default profile and functions. On the other hand, if the client end fails the local authentication, the portable device does not function, or is disabled in one embodiment. In another embodiment, when the client end neither can connect to the Policy Server  106 , nor can pass the local authentication, the policy server  106  will not provide any security protection or execute any security policy. 
         [0026]    On the other hand, when the portable device passes the local authentication, then the client end loads the default profile and functions, in one embodiment. In one embodiment, loading is accomplished offline. The default functions (offline mode) in this embodiment includes, but is not limited to user profile (Favorites, File, Desktop); user App tools (Mail client, Telnet, SSH, Reliable Datagram Protocol (RDP), etc); basic policy; anti-phishing; and file encrypted/unencrypted. 
         [0027]      FIG. 2  illustrates a diagram showing a security environment which the user logs into in a Wide Area Network (WAN), in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The system provides an integrated way of detecting the health state of an internet client that is attempting to connect to or communicate on a network and limiting the access of the network client until the health policy requirements have been met. 
         [0028]    A user coupled to a WAN inserts a portable ID device into a Client End  201  in order to log in. The client end  201  automatically installs a Security Agent. The Security Agent automatically enables a network encryption connection. That is, the present embodiment registers into the Policy Server  106  through any service ports which can connect to the outside web (e.g., Internet). The client end  201  may include personal computers, server computers, client devices, routers, switches, wireless access points, security appliances, hand-held or laptop devices, set top boxes, programmable consumer electronics, minicomputers, mainframe computers, or the like. 
         [0029]    The security system  200  comprises a policy server  206 , which is the core device of the security system  200 . The policy server  206  provides authorization services and facilitates tracking and control of files. The policy server accepts access control requests, processes them against a formal set of statements that define how the network&#39;s resources are to be allocated among its clients (known as the policy), and returns access control responses. 
         [0030]    If the client end  201  succeeds in registering into the Policy Server  106 , then the policy server  106  requires the client end  201  to pass Authentication. That is, the policy server  106  checks the identity of the client end  201 . 
         [0031]    If the client end  201  passes the Authentication, the policy server starts auto downloading the latest checklist. That is, the policy server checks whether the client end meets the policy security requirements. More specifically, the policy requirements indicate the computer device status with respect to criteria such as installed applications, installed patches, configurations, device performance, hardware components and/or the like. 
         [0032]    The client end  201  automatically downloads the latest security checklist from the policy server  106 . Meanwhile, the policy server  106  automatically starts a host check for the client end  201 . The host check between the policy server  106  and the client end  201  includes, but are not limited to the following items: System Patch, Anti-virus Pattern, file check, process check, local IP, and device check. 
         [0033]    On the other hand, if the client end  201  matches the security criteria, the Policy Server  106  dynamically generates a predefined client policy based on identity and environment of the client end  201 . The policy server deploys dynamic policy into the client end  201 , switches  204 , wireless AP, Firewall (FW)  214 , Invader Protection System (IPS/IDP)  210 , Secure sockets Layer encrypts and authenticates (SSL) VPN  212 , and the like. 
         [0034]    In another embodiment, if the client end fails to connect to the policy server  106 , then the policy server  106  executes a Local Authentication. If the user passes local authentication, then the client end loads default profile and functions. On the other hand, if the client end fails the local authentication, the portable device does not function, or is disabled in one embodiment. In another embodiment, when the client end neither can connect to the Policy Server  106 , nor can pass the local authentication, the policy server  106  will not provide any security protection or execute any security policy. 
         [0035]    On the other hand, when the portable device passes local authentication, then the client end loads the default profile and functions, in one embodiment. In one embodiment, loading is accomplished offline. The default functions (offline mode) in this embodiment include, but are not limited to user profile (Favorites, File, Desktop); user App tools (Mail client, Telnet, SSH, Reliable Datagram Protocol (RDP), etc); basic policy; anti-phishing; and file encrypted/unencrypted. 
         [0036]      FIG. 3  illustrates a flowchart of a portable security environment, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The client platform includes, but is not limited to the following devices, desktop, notebook personal computer (PC), personal digital assistant (PDA), mobile phone, handheld smart card, universal serial bus (USB) token, etc. 
         [0037]    Operation  301  of the flowchart shown in  FIG. 3  provides for automatic execution of the mobile security application, in one embodiment. Specifically, in one embodiment, a user inserts a portable ID device into a Client End to automatically install a Security Agent. There are several authentication methods that can be used, such as, ID/Password, Smart Card, and USB Token, etc. in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. 
         [0038]    The flowchart of  FIG. 3  includes operation  302  in which the Security Agent automatically enables a network encryption connection. That is, the present embodiment registers into the Policy Server (e.g., policy servers  106  and  206  in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2  respectively) through any service ports which can connect to the outside web (e.g., Internet). 
         [0039]    If the registration into the Policy Server succeeds, then the present embodiment proceeds to the third operation to pass On-line Authentication at  303 . On the other hand, if the present embodiment is not able to connect to the policy server, then the present embodiment executes the Local Authentication block at  304 . 
         [0040]    At  304  of the flow chart in  FIG. 3  the present embodiment executes the local authentication. If the user passes the local authentication, then the present embodiment proceeds to  306  to load default profile and functions. On the other hand, if the present embodiment fails the local authentication, then the present embodiment proceeds to  305  where the portable device does not function or is disabled in one embodiment. In another embodiment, when the Client Device neither can connect to the Policy Server (e.g.,  106  and  206  in  FIGS. 1 and 2  respectively), nor can pass the local authentication, the operation  305  will not provide any security protection or execute any security policy. 
         [0041]    On the other hand, when the portable device passes the local authentication, then the operation  306  loads the default profile and functions, in one embodiment. In one embodiment, this is accomplished in an offline mode. The default functions (offline mode) in this embodiment include, but are not limited to user profile (Favorites, File, Desktop); user App tools (Mail client, Telnet, SSH, Reliable Datagram Protocol (RDP), etc); basic policy; anti-phishing; and file encrypted/unencrypted. 
         [0042]    Referring again to  FIG. 3 , the flow chart of  FIG. 3  includes a seventh operation  307  to auto download latest checklist and Start Client end environment check if the portable device passes the On-line Authentication at  303 . At  307 , the Client end automatically downloads the latest security checklist. Also, the present embodiment automatically starts a Client End environment check. The Host check between the policy server (e.g.,  106  or  206  in  FIGS. 1 and 2  respectively) and the client end includes, but is not limited to the following items: System Patch, Anti-virus Pattern, file check, process check, local IP, and device check. 
         [0043]    The flowchart of  FIG. 3  includes operation  308  to check whether the client matches the security criteria or not. 
         [0044]    If the latest security checklist doesn&#39;t match the security criteria, then the present embodiment proceeds to operation  309  and redirects the user to the Update Server in order to update System Patch, Pattern, software, and so on until a match is made. Client update mechanisms include, but are not limited to, Client Patch update, Anti-virus Pattern update, Anti-Phishing, malicious Uniform Resource Locator Database (URL DB) update, and Agent update, according to embodiments of the present invention. After processing the update procedure, the present embodiment returns to the operation  308  to fulfill basic criteria. 
         [0045]    On the other hand, if the security checklist matches the security criteria, then the present embodiment proceeds to operation  310  in which the Policy Server (e.g.,  106  or  206  in  FIGS. 1 and 2  respectively) dynamically generates a predefined client policy based on client environment. 
         [0046]    The operation  310  of the flowchart in  FIG. 3  illustrates how the Policy Server dynamically generates predefined client policy based on client environment. As such, the user Policy (e.g., client profile and network ACL) will go with user, no matter where the user is located. This enables a portable security policy and environment. 
         [0047]    The flowchart of  FIG. 3  includes operation  311  to deploy dynamic policy into the client end, switches, wireless AP, Firewall, IPS and SSL (Secure sockets Layer encrypts and authenticates) VPN. 
         [0048]    As such, the security Policy (e.g., client profile and network ACL) will go with the user, no matter where the user is located. This enables a portable security policy and environment. And also, the policy server can run a virtual platform to make security policy cover all OS including, but not limited to, Windows, Linux/Unix, Apple, and the like. Further, the policy server can comprise protocol which can make the security policy cover all devices including, but not limited to, Cisco, Microsoft, and the like. 
         [0049]    While the foregoing description and drawings represent the preferred embodiments of the present invention, it will be understood that various additions, modifications and substitutions may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the principles of the present invention as defined in the accompanying claims. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention may be used with many modifications of form, structure, arrangement, proportions, materials, elements, and components and otherwise, used in the practice of the invention, which are particularly adapted to specific environments and operative requirements without departing from the principles of the present invention. The presently disclosed embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, and not limited to the foregoing description.