Systems and methods for data encryption using plugins within virtual systems and subsystems
US7987497B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 5, 2004 |
| Grant date | Jul 26, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 16, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F2213/3802
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Several embodiments of the present invention provide a means for improving data access security in computer systems to support high-security applications, and certain of these embodiments are specifically directed to providing sector-level encryption of a virtual hard disk in a virtual machine environment. More specifically, certain embodiments are directed to providing sector-level encryption by using plug-ins in a virtual machine environment, thereby providing improved data access security in a computer system that supports high-security applications. Certain embodiments also use encryption plug-ins associated with standard encryption software for exchanging data between a virtual machine (VM) and its associated virtual hard drive(s) (VHDs). Moreover, several embodiments of the present invention are directed to the use of plug-in encryption services that interface with, and provide services for, a VM via a VM Encryption API (or its equivalent).
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.