Systems and methods for securing internet access on restricted mobile platforms

A computer-implemented method for securing Internet access on restricted mobile platforms may include identifying an attempt by a mobile computing system to establish a virtual private network connection with a security server and, in response to identifying the attempt, (1) assigning an Internet Protocol address to the mobile computing system and (2) identifying a security filter customized to filter communications for an account associated with the mobile computing system. The method may also include (1) receiving, via the virtual private network connection, a request for an Internet resource and (2) providing, via the virtual private network connection, a response to the request to the mobile computing system based at least in part on the security filter. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed.

BACKGROUND

With the rise of mobile computing, consumers may now access the Internet from anywhere. Mobile computing devices such as cellular telephones, tablet computers, e-book readers, and the like have become a ubiquitous part of everyday life. However, the ability to access the Internet from these devices also brings the various dangers of the Internet to these devices. Malicious web pages may pose phishing attacks to steal confidential information (e.g., user credentials, credit card numbers, etc.) or exploit vulnerabilities in web browser software that may allow malware to be downloaded to a user's mobile computing device. Furthermore, some legitimate Internet resources (through the use of spam, comment posts, etc.) may be used to redirect users to malicious websites.

Traditional computing security solutions may include installing system-level software, such as anti-virus software, on a computing system to monitor activity on the computing system and block, quarantine, and/or eradicate the variety of threats available through an Internet connection. However, some mobile computing platforms are restricted and/or closed, discouraging and/or preventing users from installing software of their choice and/or from installing system-level software that would provide sufficient access for security software to operate effectively. Accordingly, the instant disclosure identifies a need for additional and improved systems and methods for securing Internet access on restricted mobile platforms.

SUMMARY

As will be described in greater detail below, the instant disclosure generally relates to systems and methods for securing Internet access on restricted mobile platforms by tunneling all Internet traffic from mobile computing systems through virtual private network connections to security proxies capable of filtering, modifying, and/or tracking the Internet traffic. In one example, a computer-implemented method for securing Internet access on restricted mobile platforms may include identifying an attempt by a mobile computing system to establish a virtual private network connection with a security server and then, in response to identifying the attempt, (1) assigning an Internet Protocol address to the mobile computing system and (2) identifying a security filter customized to filter communications for an account associated with the mobile computing system. The method may also include (1) receiving, via the virtual private network connection, a request for an Internet resource, and then (2) providing, via the virtual private network connection, a response to the request to the mobile computing system based at least in part on the security filter.

In one example, the mobile computing system may be configured to perform all Internet communications via the virtual private network connection. In some examples, the security server may include a virtual private server designated for use for communications associated with the account.

The computer-implemented method may apply the security filter to the request in any of a variety of ways. For example, providing the response to the request may include (1) determining, based on the security filter, that access to the Internet resource is prohibited for the account and then, in response to determining that access to the Internet resource is prohibited for the account, (2) returning a message to the mobile computing system indicating that the Internet resource is prohibited for the account. In another example, the response to the request may include (1) retrieving the Internet resource based on the request, (2) scanning the retrieved Internet resource for content prohibited for the account as indicated by the security filter, (3) modifying the Internet resource to pass the security filter, and (4) returning the modified Internet resource to the mobile computing system.

In one example, the response to the request may include (1) determining, based on the security filter, that the Internet resource includes untrustworthy content and, in response to the determination, (2) logging the request in association with the account.

In some examples, the security server may handle multiple customized accounts with customized filtering requirements. For example, the computer-implemented method may include identifying an additional attempt by an additional mobile computing system to establish an additional virtual private network connection with the security server, the additional mobile computing system being distinct from the mobile computing system. The method may also include, in response to identifying the additional attempt, (1) assigning an additional Internet Protocol address to the additional mobile computing system, the additional Internet Protocol address being distinct from the Internet Protocol address and (2) identifying an additional security filter customized to filter communications for an additional account associated with the additional mobile computing system, the additional security filter being distinct from the security filter and the additional account being distinct from the account. The method may also include (1) receiving, via the additional virtual private network connection, an additional request for an additional Internet resource and then (2) providing, via the additional virtual private network connection, an additional response to the additional request to the additional mobile computing system based at least in part on the additional security filter.

In one embodiment, a system for implementing the above-described method may include an identification module programmed to identify an attempt by a mobile computing system to establish a virtual private network connection with a security server. The system may also include an assignation module programmed to, in response to identifying the attempt, (1) assign an Internet Protocol address to the mobile computing system and (2) identify a security filter customized to filter communications for an account associated with the mobile computing system. The system may additionally include a receiving module programmed to receive, via the virtual private network connection, a request for an Internet resource. The system may further include a filtering module programmed to provide, via the virtual private network connection, a response to the request to the mobile computing system based at least in part on the security filter. The system may also include at least one processor configured to execute the identification module, the assignation module, the receiving module, and the filtering module.

In some examples, the above-described method may be encoded as computer-readable instructions on a computer-readable-storage medium. For example, a computer-readable-storage medium may include one or more computer-executable instructions that, when executed by at least one processor of a computing device, may cause the computing device to identify an attempt by a mobile computing system to establish a virtual private network connection with a security server and, in response to identifying the attempt, (1) assign an Internet Protocol address to the mobile computing system and (2) identify a security filter customized to filter communications for an account associated with the mobile computing system. The computer-executable instructions may also cause the computing device to (1) receive, via the virtual private network connection, a request for an Internet resource and (2) provide, via the virtual private network connection, a response to the request to the mobile computing system based at least in part on the security filter.

As will be explained in greater detail below, by tunneling all Internet traffic from mobile computing systems through virtual private network connections to security proxies capable of filtering, modifying, and/or tracking the Internet traffic, the systems and methods described herein may provide comprehensive Internet security features for all applications installed on mobile computing systems while still conforming to strict mobile platform restrictions that may otherwise cripple mobile computing security systems.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

The following will provide, with reference toFIGS. 1,2, and4, detailed descriptions of exemplary systems for securing Internet access on restricted mobile platforms. Detailed descriptions of corresponding computer-implemented methods will also be provided in connection withFIG. 3. In addition, detailed descriptions of an exemplary computing system and network architecture capable of implementing one or more of the embodiments described herein will be provided in connection withFIGS. 5 and 6, respectively.

FIG. 1is a block diagram of an exemplary system100for securing Internet access on restricted mobile platforms. As illustrated in this figure, exemplary system100may include one or more modules102for performing one or more tasks. For example, and as will be explained in greater detail below, exemplary system100may include an identification module104programmed to identify an attempt by a mobile computing system to establish a virtual private network connection with a security server. Exemplary system100may also include an assignation module106programmed to, in response to identifying the attempt, (1) assign an Internet Protocol address to the mobile computing system and (2) identify a security filter customized to filter communications for an account associated with the mobile computing system.

In addition, and as will be described in greater detail below, exemplary system100may include a receiving module108programmed to receive, via the virtual private network connection, a request for an Internet resource. Exemplary system100may additionally include a filtering module110programmed to provide, via the virtual private network connection, a response to the request to the mobile computing system based at least in part on the security filter. Although illustrated as separate elements, one or more of modules102inFIG. 1may represent portions of a single module or application.

Exemplary system100inFIG. 1may be implemented in a variety of ways. For example, all or a portion of exemplary system100may represent portions of exemplary system200inFIG. 2. As shown inFIG. 2, system200may include a restricted mobile computing device202in communication with a security server206via a network204. System200may also include a server208in communication with security server206via network204.

In one embodiment, one or more of modules102fromFIG. 1may, when executed by at least one processor security server206, facilitate security server206in securing Internet access on restricted mobile platforms. For example, and as will be described in greater detail below, one or more of modules102may cause security server206to identify an attempt by restricted mobile computing device202to establish a virtual private network tunnel212with security server206and, in response to identifying the attempt, (1) assign an Internet Protocol address (e.g., from an Internet Protocol address pool220) to restricted mobile computing device202and (2) identify a security filter230customized to filter communications for an account240associated with restricted mobile computing device202. Modules102may also cause security server to (1) receive, via virtual private network tunnel212, a request240for a resource260from server208and (2) provide, via virtual private network tunnel212, a response250to request240to mobile computing device202based at least in part on security filter230.

Restricted mobile computing device202generally represents any type or form of computing device capable of reading computer-executable instructions. Examples of restricted mobile computing device202include, without limitation, cellular phones, tablet computing devices, e-book readers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), netbooks, multimedia players, embedded systems, combinations of one or more of the same, exemplary computing system510inFIG. 5, or any other suitable computing device.

Security server206generally represents any type or form of computing device that is capable of establishing secure network connections, filtering Internet communications, and/or providing proxy services.

Server208generally represents any type or form of computing device that is capable of hosting Internet resources such as services and electronic documents. Examples of server208include, without limitation, application servers and database servers configured to provide various database services and/or run certain software applications.

Network204generally represents any medium or architecture capable of facilitating communication or data transfer. Examples of network204include, without limitation, an intranet, a wide area network (WAN), a local area network (LAN), a personal area network (PAN), the Internet, power line communications (PLC), a cellular network (e.g., a GSM Network), exemplary network architecture600inFIG. 6, or the like. Network204may facilitate communication or data transfer using wireless or wired connections. In one embodiment, network204may facilitate communication between restricted mobile computing device202and security server206and/or between security server206and server208.

FIG. 3is a flow diagram of an exemplary computer-implemented method300for securing Internet access on restricted mobile platforms. The steps shown inFIG. 3may be performed by any suitable computer-executable code and/or computing system. In some embodiments, the steps shown inFIG. 3may be performed by one or more of the components of system100inFIG. 1, system200inFIG. 2, computing system510inFIG. 5, and/or portions of exemplary network architecture600inFIG. 6.

As illustrated inFIG. 3, at step302one or more of the systems described herein may identify an attempt by a mobile computing system to establish a virtual private network connection with a security server. For example, at step302identification module104may, as part of security server206inFIG. 2, identify an attempt by restricted mobile computing device202to establish virtual private network tunnel212with security server206.

As previously noted, a mobile computing system may include a mobile phone, a tablet computer, an e-book reader, a personal digital assistant, and the like. The phrase “mobile computing system” may also generally refer to any other portable device that may have wireless connectivity to the Internet. Mobile-computing systems may include GPS devices, messaging devices, and various other types of mobile devices.

In some examples, the mobile computing system may use a restricted mobile platform that may interfere with some traditional methods for Internet security. For example, the mobile computing system may restrict modifications to system-level and/or base functionality. In some examples, the restricted mobile platform may limit the ability of third-party software to inspect network traffic, modify the behavior of other applications, and/or modify data in movement and/or at rest. The restricted mobile platform may enforce these limitations as a part of the hardware of mobile computing system and/or as a part of the operating system of the mobile computing device. In some examples, the restricted mobile platform may extend to an application store with exclusive privileges to allow certain configurations and/or software installations on the mobile computing system. In some examples, restrictions on the mobile platform may be enforced by decisions regarding whether to make an application available and/or visible in the application store. In some examples, restrictions on the mobile platform may hamper the use of third-party security software on the mobile platform by making use of the third-party security software difficult and/or costly, and/or by reducing features and/or the reliability of the mobile platform when third-party security software is installed. As an example, the mobile computing system may run on the APPLE IOS platform.

In some examples, the mobile computing system may be configured to perform all Internet communications via the virtual private network connection. For example, the mobile computing system may be configured to perform Internet communications for native applications and/or services installed on the mobile computing system (e.g., applications and services pre-installed on the mobile computing system, included on the mobile computing system at the time of first sale to the end consumer, and/or included by an organization that sells and/or distributes the mobile computing system and/or the mobile computing platform of the mobile computing system) via the virtual private network connection. In some examples, the mobile computing system may be configured to perform Internet communications for system-level services via the virtual private network connection. Additionally or alternatively, the mobile computing system may be configured to perform Internet communications for third-party applications and/or services (e.g., applications and services installed by an end user, not pre-installed on the mobile computing system, and/or not developed and/or distributed by an organization that is associated with the mobile computing system and/or the mobile computing platform of the mobile computing system).

The mobile computing system may be configured to use the virtual private network connection in any of a variety of contexts. For example, a user of the mobile computing system may configure the mobile computing system to use the virtual private network. Additionally or alternatively, one or more of the systems described herein may send configuration data and/or an application to automatically configure the mobile computing system to use the virtual private network connection. In some examples, one or more of the systems described herein may send an application to guide a user through configuring the mobile computing system to use the virtual private network connection.

As used herein, the phrase “virtual private network” may refer to any networking technique allowing remote computing systems to securely and/or privately communicate. In some examples, a “virtual private network” may encrypt data transmitted between remote computing systems. For example, a “virtual private network” may use one or more cryptographic tunneling protocols for communications between remote computing systems. In some examples, a “virtual private network” may prevent interception, packet sniffing, identity spoofing, and message alteration.

In some examples, the security server may include a virtual private server designated for use for communications associated with the account. For example, the security server may include a hosted virtual machine configured to communicate with and/or on behalf of the mobile computing system. In some examples, the security server may operate as an endpoint of the virtual private network connection and as a gateway to the Internet. In some examples, the security server may include an integrated virtual private network engine and filtering proxy engine. For example, the security server may have access both to which Internet Protocol address is assigned to each account (e.g., for Internet communications performed on behalf of the mobile computing system) and what filtering rule set is to be applied to each account for filtering Internet communications.

Returning to step302, identification module104may identify the attempt by the mobile computing system in any suitable manner. For example, identification module104may identify the attempt by receiving a request to establish a virtual private network with the mobile computing system. Additionally or alternatively, identification module104may identify the attempt by receiving a message from a virtual private networking subsystem on the security server.

FIG. 4is an illustration of an exemplary system400for securing Internet access on restricted mobile platforms. As shown inFIG. 4, system400may include a restricted mobile computing device410and a restricted mobile computing device420in communication with a security server430via virtual private network tunnels416and426, respectively. Security server430may communicate with servers434and436on behalf of restricted mobile computing devices410and420, respectively. UsingFIG. 4as an example for step302, at step302identification module104may, as a part of security server430, identify an attempt by restricted mobile computing device410to establish virtual private network tunnel416with security server430.

In some examples, the security server may support security proxy services for multiple mobile computing systems. For example, identification module104may also identify an additional attempt by an additional mobile computing system to establish an additional virtual private network connection with the security server, the additional mobile computing system being distinct from the mobile computing system. UsingFIG. 4as an example, identification module104may, as a part of security server430, identify an attempt by restricted mobile computing device420to establish virtual private network tunnel426with security server430.

Returning toFIG. 3, at step304one or more of the systems described herein may, in response to the attempt, assign an Internet Protocol address to the mobile computing system. For example, at step304assignation module106may, as part of security server206inFIG. 2, assign an Internet Protocol address (e.g., from an Internet Protocol address pool220) to restricted mobile computing device202.

Assignation module106may assign the Internet Protocol address to the mobile computing system in any suitable manner. In some examples, assignation module106may access to a pool of available Internet Protocol addresses. In these examples, assignation module106may select an Internet Protocol address from the pool for the mobile computing system. In some examples, assignation module106may assign the Internet Protocol address to the mobile computing system by associating the Internet Protocol address with an identifier of the mobile computing system (e.g., an Internet Protocol address used by the mobile computing system to communicate with the security server). Additionally or alternatively, assignation module106may assign the Internet Protocol address to the mobile computing system simply by using the Internet Protocol address in Internet communications conducted on behalf of the mobile computing system.

As mentioned earlier, in some examples, the security server may support security proxy services for multiple mobile computing systems. For example, identification module104may also identify an additional attempt by an additional mobile computing system to establish an additional virtual private network connection with the security server, the additional mobile computing system being distinct from the mobile computing system. In these examples, assignation module106may, in response to identifying the additional attempt, assign an additional Internet Protocol address to the additional mobile computing system, the additional Internet Protocol address being distinct from the Internet Protocol address. UsingFIG. 4as an example, security server430may assign an Internet Protocol address to restricted mobile computing device410and may assign a different Internet Protocol address to restricted mobile computing device420. As will be explained in greater detail below, security server430may use the assigned Internet Protocol addresses when relaying communications from the respective restricted mobile computing devices to the wider Internet.

Returning toFIG. 3, at step306one or more of the systems described herein may, in response to the attempt, identify a security filter customized to filter communications for an account associated with the mobile computing system. For example, at step306assignation module106may, as part of security server206inFIG. 2, identify security filter230customized to filter communications for account240associated with restricted mobile computing device202.

The security filter may include any of a variety of criteria, methods, rules, and/or formulas for analyzing, categorizing, and/or modifying communications between the mobile computing system and the Internet. In some examples, the security filter may include a malware filter for detecting and/or isolating malware and/or insecure links, files, and/or documents which may lead to and/or result in malware. Additionally or alternatively, the security filter may include a phishing filter for detecting unwanted attempts to gather sensitive data from the mobile computing system and/or a user of the mobile computing system. In some examples, the security filter may also include a broader content-based filter for filtering inappropriate content (e.g., obscene content, age-inappropriate content, content inappropriate for a workplace, etc.).

The account may be associated with the mobile computing system in any of a variety of ways. In some examples, the mobile computing system may transmit a unique identifier and/or authentication information to the security server to assert that the user of the mobile computing system owns the account. In some examples, one or more of the systems described herein may present an interface to a user and/or administrator to configure the security filter for the account.

As mentioned earlier, in some examples, the security server may support security proxy services for multiple mobile computing systems. For example, assignation module106may, in response to identifying the additional attempt, assign an additional Internet Protocol address to the additional mobile computing system, the additional Internet Protocol address being distinct from the Internet Protocol address. In these examples, assignation module106may also, in response to identifying the additional attempt, identify an additional security filter customized to filter communications for an additional account associated with the additional mobile computing system, the additional security filter being distinct from the security filter and the additional account being distinct from the account. UsingFIG. 4as an example, security server430may maintain separate accounts, and, accordingly, separate and distinct security filters for restricted mobile computing device410and restricted computing device420. Accordingly, security server430may filter communications for restricted mobile computing device410only for security threats, but may filter communications for restricted mobile computing device420for both security threats and inappropriate content.

Returning toFIG. 3, at step308one or more of the systems described herein may receive, via the virtual private network connection, a request for an Internet resource. For example, at step308receiving module108may, as part of security server206inFIG. 2, receive, via virtual private network tunnel212, request240for resource260from server208.

The request for the Internet resource may generally include any Internet communication. For example, the request for the Internet resource may include a request to retrieve a web page and/or a document from a web server. Additionally or alternatively, the request for the Internet resource may include an attempt to send and/or retrieve an email. Generally, the request for the Internet resource may include any attempt to send and/or receive data (e.g., file sharing, remote application data transmission, etc.).

As mentioned earlier, in some examples, the security server may support security proxy services for multiple mobile computing systems. For example, assignation module106may, in response to identifying the additional attempt, identify an additional security filter customized to filter communications for an additional account associated with the additional mobile computing system, the additional security filter being distinct from the security filter and the additional account being distinct from the account. In this example, receiving module108may also receive, via the additional virtual private network connection, an additional request for an additional Internet resource. UsingFIG. 4as an example, security server430may receive a request from restricted mobile computing device410via virtual private network tunnel416for a resource from server434, and may also receive a request from restricted mobile computing device420via virtual private network tunnel426for a resource from server436.

Returning toFIG. 3, at step310one or more of the systems described herein may provide, via the virtual private network connection, a response to the request to the mobile computing system based at least in part on the security filter. For example, at step310filtering module110may, as part of security server206inFIG. 2, provide, via virtual private network tunnel212, response250to request240to mobile computing device202based at least in part on security filter230.

Filtering module110may use the security filter to respond to the request in any of a variety of contexts. For example, filtering module110may apply the security filter to the request itself. In this example, filtering module110may analyze the request (including, e.g., the ultimate intended destination of the request) to determine the disposition of the request. For example, filtering module110may identify a known malicious web site within the request and respond to the request without forwarding the request to the known malicious web site. Additionally or alternatively, filtering module110may forward the request to a server hosting the resource and apply the security filter to a response from the server (e.g., to documents, files, and/or any other data that the server sent to the assigned Internet Protocol address in response to the request).

Filtering module110may use the security filter to respond to the request in any of a variety of ways. For example, filtering module110may determine, based on the security filter, that access to the Internet resource is prohibited for the account and, in response to determining that access to the Internet resource is prohibited for the account, return a message to the mobile computing system indicating that the Internet resource is prohibited for the account. The message may indicate that the Internet resource is prohibited in any suitable manner. For example, the message may include a human-readable message to notify a user of the mobile computing system of insecure and/or inappropriate content. Additionally or alternatively, the message may include a programmatic message for an application on the mobile computing system that sent the request indicating that the request has been denied or could not otherwise be fulfilled. In some examples, the message may include and/or cause the mobile computing system to display an override feature allowing a user of the mobile computing system to access the resource after acknowledging a warning.

In another example, filtering module110may respond to the request by (1) retrieving the Internet resource based on the request, (2) scanning the retrieved Internet resource for content prohibited for the account as indicated by the security filter, (3) in response to scanning the retrieved Internet resource, modifying the Internet resource to pass the security filter, and (4) returning the modified Internet resource to the mobile computing system. For example, filtering module110may determine that a web page is generally safe, but that a link on the web page (e.g., posted in a comment section of a trusted web site) is malicious. In this example, filtering module110may modify the Internet resource by removing the link from the web page, changing the link from a hyperlink element to plain text, adding a visual warning to the link, etc.

In one example, filtering module110may respond to the request by determining, based on the security filter, that the Internet resource includes untrustworthy content and, in response to the determination, logging the request in association with the account. For example, filtering module110may determine that the request was directed to a malicious resource. In this example, filtering module110may log the request in order to warn a user of the mobile computing system about the malicious resource and/or a previous resource that led the user to the malicious resource. As another example, filtering module110may determine with low confidence that the requested resource includes inappropriate content. In this example, filtering module110may fulfill the request by sending the resource to the mobile computing system, but may log the request and/or the resource for further examination.

As mentioned earlier, in some examples, the security server may support security proxy services for multiple mobile computing systems. For example, receiving module108may receive, via the additional virtual private network connection, an additional request for an additional Internet resource. In this example, filtering module110may also provide, via the additional virtual private network connection, an additional response to the additional request to the additional mobile computing system based at least in part on the additional security filter. UsingFIG. 4as an example, security server430may respond to a request from restricted mobile computing device410via virtual private network tunnel416for a resource from server434, and may also respond to a request from restricted mobile computing device420via virtual private network tunnel426for a resource from server436. After step310method300may terminate.

In some examples, the systems and methods described herein may determine that the mobile computing system is forming or has formed a secure connection with another server. For example, these systems and methods may (1) receive, via the virtual private network connection, a request to establish a secure connection with an additional server, (2) determine, based on the request to establish the secure connection with the additional server, that the secure connection is not subject to the security filter, and, in response to determining that the secure connection is not subject to the security filter, (3) relay, via the virtual private network connection, communications between the mobile computing system and the additional server via the secure connection without applying the security filter to the communications. The secure connection may include any connection that may interfere with the ability to inspect the content of communications sent via the secure connection. For example, the secure connection may include a Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure (“HTTPS”) connection. In some examples, the systems and methods described herein may log the information about the secure connection and/or report the secure connection to an administrator.

As explained above, by tunneling all Internet traffic from mobile computing systems through virtual private network connections to security proxies capable of filtering, modifying, and/or tracking the Internet traffic, the systems and methods described herein may provide comprehensive Internet security features for all applications installed on mobile computing systems while still conforming to strict mobile platform restrictions that may otherwise cripple mobile computing security systems.

FIG. 5is a block diagram of an exemplary computing system510capable of implementing one or more of the embodiments described and/or illustrated herein. For example, all or a portion of computing system510may perform and/or be a means for performing, either alone or in combination with other elements, one or more of the identifying, assigning, receiving, providing, determining, returning, retrieving, scanning, modifying, logging, and/or relaying steps described herein. All or a portion of computing system510may also perform and/or be a means for performing any other steps, methods, or processes described and/or illustrated herein.

In certain embodiments, exemplary computing system510may also include one or more components or elements in addition to processor514and system memory516. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 5, computing system510may include a memory controller518, an Input/Output (I/O) controller520, and a communication interface522, each of which may be interconnected via a communication infrastructure512. Communication infrastructure512generally represents any type or form of infrastructure capable of facilitating communication between one or more components of a computing device. Examples of communication infrastructure512include, without limitation, a communication bus (such as an ISA, PCI, PCIe, or similar bus) and a network.

In certain embodiments, communication interface522may also represent a host adapter configured to facilitate communication between computing system510and one or more additional network or storage devices via an external bus or communications channel. Examples of host adapters include, without limitation, SCSI host adapters, USB host adapters, IEEE 1394 host adapters, SATA and eSATA host adapters, ATA and PATA host adapters, Fibre Channel interface adapters, Ethernet adapters, or the like. Communication interface522may also allow computing system510to engage in distributed or remote computing. For example, communication interface522may receive instructions from a remote device or send instructions to a remote device for execution.

As illustrated inFIG. 5, exemplary computing system510may also include at least one input device528coupled to communication infrastructure512via an input interface530. Input device528generally represents any type or form of input device capable of providing input, either computer or human generated, to exemplary computing system510. Examples of input device528include, without limitation, a keyboard, a pointing device, a speech recognition device, or any other input device.

FIG. 6is a block diagram of an exemplary network architecture600in which client systems610,620, and630and servers640and645may be coupled to a network650. As detailed above, all or a portion of network architecture600may perform and/or be a means for performing, either alone or in combination with other elements, one or more of the identifying, assigning, receiving, providing, determining, returning, retrieving, scanning, modifying, logging, and/or relaying steps disclosed herein. All or a portion of network architecture600may also be used to perform and/or be a means for performing other steps and features set forth in the instant disclosure.

Client systems610,620, and630generally represent any type or form of computing device or system, such as exemplary computing system510inFIG. 5. Similarly, servers640and645generally represent computing devices or systems, such as application servers or database servers, configured to provide various database services and/or run certain software applications. Network650generally represents any telecommunication or computer network including, for example, an intranet, a wide area network (WAN), a local area network (LAN), a personal area network (PAN), or the Internet. In one example, client systems610,620, and/or630and/or servers640and/or645may include all or a portion of system100fromFIG. 1.

As illustrated inFIG. 6, one or more storage devices660(1)-(N) may be directly attached to server640. Similarly, one or more storage devices670(1)-(N) may be directly attached to server645. Storage devices660(1)-(N) and storage devices670(1)-(N) generally represent any type or form of storage device or medium capable of storing data and/or other computer-readable instructions. In certain embodiments, storage devices660(1)-(N) and storage devices670(1)-(N) may represent network-attached storage (NAS) devices configured to communicate with servers640and645using various protocols, such as NFS, SMB, or CIFS.

In addition, one or more of the modules described herein may transform data, physical devices, and/or representations of physical devices from one form to another. For example, one or more of the modules recited herein may transform a mobile computing system into a secure mobile computing system. As another example, one or more of the modules recited herein may transform a server into a server for facilitating secure communications from restricted mobile platforms.