Virtual distributed security system

• US 20060253699A1
• Filed: 10/20/2005
• Published: 11/09/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 10/16/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing LLC (Microsoft Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
• Inventors: Shewchuk, John P., Kaler, Christopher G., Leach, Paul J., Della-Libera, Giovanni M., Rashid, Richard F., Lucco, Steven E., Lovering, Bradford H., Millet, Stephen J., Konersmann, Scott A., Lampson, Butler W.
• Granted Patent: US 7,752,442 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 713/151
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/3676 Balancing accounts
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/08 for authentication of entities cryptographic mechanisms or cryptographic arrangements for entity authentication H04L9/32
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/10 for controlling access to devices or network resources
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/168 above the transport layer
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/20 for managing network security; network security policies in general filtering policies H04L63/0227
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/02 based on web technology, e.g. hypertext transfer protocol [HTTP]
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/56 Provisioning of proxy services store-and-forward switching systems in data switching networks H04L12/54
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/561 Adding application-functional data or data for application control, e.g. adding metadata
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/565 Conversion or adaptation of application format or content adding application control or application functional data H04L67/561

Abstract

A distributed security system is provided. The distributed security system uses a security policy that is written in a policy language that is transport and security protocol independent as well as independent of cryptographic technologies. This security policy can be expressed using the language to create different security components allowing for greater scalability and flexibility. By abstracting underlying protocols and technologies, multiple environments and platforms can be supported.

Claims

1. A method of transmitting a secure message between a first party and a second party, the method including:

formatting the message with a markup language; and

inserting a security credential into a header of the message.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the markup language comprises the extensible markup language.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the security credential comprises a license.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the security credential comprises a key.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the security credential is defined by a security policy.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein:

the security policy identifies components of the security system.

7. The method of claim 5, wherein:

the security policy identifies access rights of the security system.

8. The method of claim 5, wherein:

the security policy language comprises the extensible markup language.

9. The method of claim 5, wherein:

the security policy is configurable.

10. The method of claim 5, wherein:

the security policy language comprises at least some logic-based components.

11. The method of claim 5, wherein:

the security policy language comprises at least some rule-based components.

12. The method of claim 5, wherein:

the security policy language comprises procedural components.

13. The method of claim 5, wherein the security policy includes an identity service.

14. The method of claim 5, wherein the security policy includes an admission service.

15. The method of claim 5, wherein the security policy includes a permission service.

16. The method of claim 5, wherein the security policy includes a revocation service.

17. The method of claim 5, wherein the security policy includes a mapping of entities to rights.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the security policy further includes a mapping of entities to capabilities.