Secure remote configuration of targeted devices using a standard message transport protocol
US7516480B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 22, 2004 |
| Grant date | Apr 7, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 14, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04L63/12
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
The present invention allows for remotely and securely configuring settings for targeted devices within a network with multiple security-trust boundaries. Configuration information is encoded in messages that are digitally signed to ensure the integrity of the configuration information and sent in accordance with a standard messaging transport protocol. By utilizing an already existing port of the standard messaging transport protocol, e.g., SMTP, the number of open ports for configuration purposes is minimized. Further, example embodiments take advantage of hidden fields, i.e., machine readable fields that contain metadata that by default are not presented at a client user interface, for encoding the configuration or command/control information within the messages. The present invention further provides for a central console module that can manage and report on the status of the configuration settings for a plurality of targeted devices that an authorized user or system administrator has attempted to remotely configure.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.