System and method for detecting an infective element in a network environment

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates in general to intrusion detection, and more particularly to a system and method for detecting an infective element in a network environment.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Network and information security are two areas that have grown increasingly important in communication environments. The threat of external agents such as viruses, worms, Trojans and other damaging elements pose a serious risk to computer system architectures and end users alike. If not contained properly, these damaging elements may wreak havoc on network systems by disrupting communication flows, violating privacy, compromising the integrity of information within the system, or corrupting data residing on the network architecture.

[0003] Several strategies have been employed to combat the negative effects of these harmful external agents; however, some of these strategies are limited in that they only address certain types of attacks, which must be generated from specific locations. In addition, many of these strategies suffer from providing only minimal protection at limited areas within the network system. Moreover, many of these strategies are slow in identifying and containing harmful elements that may have entered the network. Also, many of these strategies are generally ineffective because of their predictability in how their corresponding security tactics and protocols are implemented. The predictable nature of these approaches allows hackers to easily pinpoint areas of vulnerability within an associated system and attack those areas such that damaging elements can penetrate a network undetected by the existing security elements.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] According to one embodiment of the present invention a method for detecting an infective element in a network environment is provided that includes detecting, by a first computer, an infective element within a second computer. A signal is generated and communicated that identifies the second computer as being associated with the infective element. The signal includes an address associated with the second computer. The signal is received and, in response to the signal, a communicating capability of the second computer is disabled.

[0005] In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a method for detecting an infective element in an network environment is provided that includes detecting, by a first computer, an infective element at a second computer based on communications between the first and second computers. A signal is generated and communicated that identifies the second computer as being associated with the infective element. The signal includes an address associated with the second computer. The signal is received and, in response to the signal, a communicating capability of the second computer is disabled.

[0006] Some embodiments of the present invention provide a number of technical advantages. For example, according to one embodiment of the present invention a network management controller is provided that operates to immediately disable the communications capability of a rogue (or an infected computer) that contains an infective element by removing its corresponding address. This prohibits the rogue from communicating to a next computer or to another destination, which may infect additional elements within the network. The network management controller allows for the quarantine of malicious traffic immediately after it is discovered within the network architecture. This is important because time is a critical element in containing infective elements once they have penetrated the corresponding security system.

[0007] Another technical advantage of one embodiment of the present invention is a result of the communication protocol shim, which allows cooperative communication amongst all network components within a communication system. Once an infective element is discovered, the communication protocol shim may generate any number of signals that allow other network components to recognize that an infective element has entered the system. For example, the communication protocol shim may send a signal to the network management controller that someone within the network has received a virus, a worm, a Trojan, or some other damaging element. The network management controller may then respond to the signal by broadcasting an alert signal to all network components that communications from the infected device should be avoided or rejected. Alternatively, the network management controller may simply disable the communications capability of the infected device directly by removing its address, as described above. The communication protocol shim may also generate a message to a scout element, which may in turn broadcast an alert signal to all interested components within the network that an element within the communication system has been infected. This cooperative signaling using the communication protocol shim and the network management controller allows quick identification of an infective element even in cases where computers within the network architecture are not in compliance with existing security protocols. Even in systems where strict scrutiny is provided for security parameters, any number of devices may be out of compliance and thus susceptible to receiving (and potentially distributing) an infective element. Cooperative signaling offers a way to promptly isolate a rouge (which may or may not be in proper security compliance) by allowing a network component to monitor its peers and to report the introduction of infective elements into a system immediately after being recognized.

[0008] Yet another advantage of one embodiment of the present invention is that a computer containing an infective element may be directed to a remediator website in order to comply with a network security enforcement protocol. The remediator website may then facilitate the removal of the infective element from the component suspected of including damaging information. The suspected component may continue to communicate with the remediator website until it removes the infective element or until it is otherwise cured or deemed in proper compliance with existing security protocols, at which time it may be permitted to resume communications with other network components.

[0009] Embodiments of the present invention may enjoy some, all, or none of these advantages. Other technical advantages are readily apparent to one skilled in the art from the following figures, the description, and the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Reference is made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0011]FIG. 1 is a simplified block diagram of a communication system for detecting an infective element in a network environment in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0012]FIG. 2A is a block diagram of an example implementation of a network management controller included within the communication system of FIG. 1 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0013]FIG. 2B is a block diagram of another example implementation of a network management controller included within the communication system of FIG. 1 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0014]FIG. 2C is a block diagram of yet another example implementation a network management controller included within the communication system of FIG. 1 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; and

[0015]FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a series of steps associated with a method for detecting an infective element in a network environment in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0016] Example embodiments of the invention are best understood by referring to FIGS. 1 through 3 of the drawings in which like numerals refer to like parts.

[0017]FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a communication system <b>10</b> for detecting an infective element <b>12</b> in a network environment in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Communication system <b>10</b> includes a network management controller <b>14</b>, multiple computers <b>16</b><i>a</i>-<b>16</b><i>d</i>, an infected computer <b>18</b>, an external network <b>22</b>, and an internal network <b>24</b>. Additionally, communication system <b>10</b> includes an external website <b>28</b>, a remediator website <b>30</b>, an authentication server <b>34</b>, and a policies node <b>38</b>.

[0018] In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, communication system <b>10</b> provides an architecture for identifying infective element <b>12</b> after it has been introduced into the architecture of communication system <b>10</b>. Communication system <b>10</b> also provides the ability to pinpoint or otherwise recognize the location of infective element <b>12</b> as within infected computer <b>18</b>. In implementing a communications protocol, computers <b>16</b><i>a</i>, <b>16</b><i>b</i>, and <b>16</b><i>c </i>offer a peer monitoring feature that detects damaging elements, such as infective element <b>12</b>, as they enter communication system <b>10</b>. Accordingly, a cooperative signaling approach is provided for computers <b>16</b><i>a</i>, <b>16</b><i>b</i>, and <b>16</b><i>c</i>, whereby infected computer <b>18</b> is targeted as a rogue, i.e., inclusive of some malicious file, corrupt data segment, or non-compliant operation, which may cause harm to components within communication system <b>10</b>.

[0019] In addition, a signal may be generated and transmitted by any one of computers <b>16</b><i>a</i>, <b>16</b><i>b</i>, and <b>16</b><i>c </i>to network management controller <b>14</b> such that a source associated with infective element <b>12</b> is identified. This signal may include an address associated with infected computer <b>18</b>, which has received infective element <b>12</b>. Based on this signal, network management controller <b>14</b> may then disable a communicating capability of infected computer <b>18</b> such that infective element <b>12</b> may not be communicated to a next destination. Network management controller <b>14</b> may also implement other suitable actions based on the protocols implemented within communication system <b>10</b> in order to sandbox, siderail, isolate, or otherwise disable infected computer <b>18</b> from communicating further.

[0020] This community monitoring approach allows for the quarantine of malicious traffic immediately after it is discovered within the network architecture. This is particularly critical in network security systems where time is of the essence in containing damaging information, such as infective element <b>12</b>, once a security breach has occurred within communication system <b>10</b>. In addition, communication system <b>10</b> offers the benefit of peer monitoring, whereby only a selected number of peers within the network community need to be properly configured in order to identify a rogue within the system architecture. Network management controller <b>14</b> may respond to the identification of infective element <b>12</b> with any number of appropriate remedies (as described in greater detail below) in order to prohibit infective element <b>12</b> from permeating through the system being threatened.

[0021] Infective element <b>12</b> is a damaging object or piece of information, which may be introduced into communication system <b>10</b> by any network component. Infective element <b>12</b> may be a Trojan, a worm, a virus, or any other damaging element that operates to corrupt data, compromise the integrity of information, erase or modify data, or generally disrupt properly functioning elements within communication system <b>10</b>. Infective element <b>12</b> may also correspond to non-compliant software or operations of infected computer <b>18</b> according to outdated protocols.

[0022] A Trojan is a program that performs some unexpected or some unauthorized (usually malicious) action such as displaying messages, erasing files, or corrupting the formatting of a disk, for example. Trojans may also transmit data to other destinations, and operate as proxies for some master agent. A Trojan generally can also infect other host files. A Trojan is typically inserted on one or more target machines (such as any one of computes <b>16</b><i>a</i>-<b>16</b><i>d </i>or infected computer <b>18</b>) and lays dormant until it is instructed to initiate some action, such as to propagate, to transmit, or (most commonly) to execute an improper a denial of service (DoS) function.

[0023] DoS attacks are strategies employed in order to tie up mission-critical resources used to run websites or enterprise applications. In some cases, security gaps and glitches or other vulnerabilities in Unix or Windows operating systems are exploited to intentionally crash a corresponding system. In other cases, large amounts of ostensibly valid traffic are directed to single sites until the sites become overloaded and crash. Forms of DoS attacks include: Code Red, nimda, ping-pong, SYN flood, UDP flood, and Smurf attacks. Some DoS strategies intend to simply clog network peering points. DoS attacks may also be used where a hacker has gained access to some portion of a vulnerable networking system. Infiltrating software may be installed on the compromised machine, such as infected computer <b>18</b>, so that it may be activated remotely in order to launch a corresponding attack. In order to launch the DoS attack, hackers generally only need a single port of access to a corresponding system. Hackers may use any number of devices in order to gain initial access such as: network scanners or sniffers, password cracking and guessing tools, session hijacking, and Internet protocol (IP) spoofing.

[0024] A worm is a self-contained program or set of programs that is able to spread functional copies of itself or its segments to other computers. This propagation of copies may transpire via network connections or email attachments. Worms may self-propagate, and piggy-back on virtually any network service, such as hypertexts transfer protocol (HTTP) formats.

[0025] A virus is a malicious program that may be introduced into a network architecture in an email attachment, a file load, a program, or in any other suitable entry form. Viruses may be classified into various types depending on file formats and infection routines. Such examples of viruses include: macro viruses, boot sector viruses, script viruses, file infecting viruses, ActiveX malicious code viruses, and destructive viruses.

[0026] An example of a virus implementation that seeks to penetrate communication system <b>10</b> is a Zip file with a Word document attached to the file. An end user may open the Zip file in order to view the document; the associated machine of the end user may indirectly or directly save the Word document. With the document in the system, the virus performs its designated functions. The virus capitalizes on buffer overflow (and generally has the requisite knowledge to do so) in the Word program such that it gains access through the overflow and begins to impair the system in whatever way it was programmed to do e.g., delete files, corrupt data, change or modify information, etc. Viruses may be detected via a suitable notification, such as those disclosed through a window that is automatically generated by a virus detection protocol. Security protocols, such as anti-virus software, may generate this type of window. The window may explain, for example, that John X is trying to communicate with your machine and further ask for the end user's permission to do so.

[0027] Infective element <b>12</b> may be introduced into infected computer <b>18</b> in any number of ways. For example, an end user of infected computer <b>18</b> may use infected computer <b>18</b> to view pages on the Internet with a web browser. Thus, infective element <b>12</b> may be roaming somewhere within the Internet, where it can be downloaded directly, inadvertently communicated, or otherwise transmitted indirectly to infected computer <b>18</b>. For example, infected computer <b>18</b> may wish to communicate with external website <b>28</b> in order to retrieve some file or some piece of data. In communicating the data or file back to infected computer <b>18</b>, external website <b>28</b> may intentionally or inadvertently pass a harmful element, such as infective element <b>12</b>, through external network <b>22</b>, internal network <b>24</b>, and on to infected computer <b>18</b>. This may be done in any suitable networking scenario: for example, in the context of ordering something from an online retailer or browsing webpages or information on a website.

[0028] The potentially harmful communication of a malicious or damaging element into a system may be a result of any number of failures of internal network <b>24</b> and infected computer <b>18</b> to delete, circumvent, or otherwise avoid receiving infective element <b>12</b>. For example, security software that only runs at certain times during the day may have a potential vulnerability in the protection that it provides if infective element <b>12</b> is downloaded or otherwise communicated at some non-secure time or gap period when the security function is not being executed. Additionally, security software may fail where an end user opts to intentionally disable desktop security functions (such as anti-virus protocols for example) for performance reasons, i.e. to increase the speed of the associated device, which is being slowed by the security features.

[0029] Infective element <b>12</b> may also be received by infected computer <b>18</b> from communications traffic from an internal website or network, commonly referred to as an IN-IN communication flow. For example, internal network <b>24</b> may offer a payroll website that includes information about employee benefits. When an end user of computer <b>16</b><i>a </i>accesses the payroll website, computer <b>16</b><i>a </i>may inadvertently receive a damaging element if the payroll website has experienced a breach in its corresponding security. This problem may exist because in certain environments, internal traffic is not adequately monitored or otherwise evaluated in order to restrict the introduction of potential damaging elements. This presents an intensely destructive problem in that a virus, a Trojan, or a worm may penetrate a security system at a single computer, such as infected computer <b>18</b>, and then infect all of the internal components connected to the internal system of a company, corporation, or other entity. Perhaps even more dangerous is the potential for this internal security breach to further contaminate outside entities as infective element <b>12</b> may be communicated to contacts or clients identified by the internal structure. In this scenario, an entity may inadvertently communicate infective element <b>12</b> to any number of clients or other persons that interact or that are associated with the originally-infected entity.

[0030] Network management controller <b>14</b> is a communications interface operable to receive data from any number of devices within communication system <b>10</b>. Network controller <b>14</b> may also receive information from external network <b>22</b> and pass that information to any one of the elements coupled to internal network <b>24</b>, such as computers <b>16</b><i>a</i>-<b>16</b><i>d </i>and infected computer <b>18</b>. Network management controller <b>14</b> may also receive the address of infected computer <b>18</b> within the signal. Network management controller <b>14</b> cooperates with a signaling protocol of communication system <b>10</b> in order to quickly identify an inside vector or rogue present within a network architecture. Network management controller <b>14</b> may include any hardware, software, object, or elements operable to provide a network communications interface and to receive a signal that identifies the entry of a damaging element within communication system <b>10</b>.

[0031] Network management controller <b>14</b> may respond to receiving the signal by implementing any number of potential remedies in order to address the presence of infective element <b>12</b> within infected computer <b>18</b>. For example, network management controller <b>14</b> may respond to the signal by employing sandboxing or siderailing techniques on the associated infected device or unit. In addition, network management controller <b>14</b> may position an infected device or unit on an island or suitably disable the infected device or unit by removing or reassigning its associated address. This address may be any suitable identification element or tool that operates to distinguish infected computer <b>18</b> from other component within communication system <b>10</b>.

[0032] In accordance with a particular embodiment of the present invention, network management controller <b>14</b> may remove or reassign the IP address of infected computer <b>18</b> such that the communicating capability of infected computer <b>18</b> is disabled. Network management controller <b>14</b> may implement this and other appropriate remedial procedures in order to prohibit infected computer <b>18</b> from communicating infective element <b>12</b> to a next destination. Network management controller <b>14</b> may also direct infected computer <b>18</b> to remediator website <b>30</b>. Infected computer <b>18</b> may then communicate with remediator website <b>30</b> until infective element <b>12</b> is removed or until infected computer <b>18</b> is otherwise brought in compliance with suitable networking security protocols. In addition, network management controller <b>14</b> may generate an alert signal to be broadcast to any element that might interact with infected computer <b>18</b>. The alert signal may include information such as: the address (or the IP address) of infected computer <b>18</b>, the type of damaging element present in the network, or remedial measures for dealing with an encounter with infected computer <b>18</b>.

[0033] In a particular embodiment of the present invention, network management controller <b>14</b> may leverage or otherwise control dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP) services in order to disable infected computer <b>18</b>. The DHCP protocol represents a platform that lets a network operator to centrally manage (and to automate where appropriate) the assignment of IP addressing configurations within a communication system <b>10</b>. Without the DHCP configuration, an IP address must be entered manually at each entity or system wishing to communicate in the network environment. DHCP also allows network management controller <b>14</b> to supervise and to distribute IP addresses from a central point.

[0034] End users, such as those using computers <b>16</b><i>a</i>-<b>16</b><i>d</i>, may have an assigned IP address that is static or dynamically assigned from a pool of addresses. End users may then register for selected services provided within the network. These services may be stored in polices node <b>38</b>. These services may include internet services, intranet services, and other various services such as push services or priority services offered to an end user. Network management controller <b>14</b> may gain control of the IP address granted to an end user when that end user logs on to internal network <b>24</b>. Control of the IP address provides an executive power to network management controller <b>14</b> because an invalid IP address effectively disables a communicating capability of an associated device within communication system <b>10</b>.

[0035] Network management controller <b>14</b> may be coupled to, or implemented in conjunction with, any number of networking devices or elements within communication system <b>10</b>. FIGS. <b>2</b>A-<b>2</b>C illustrate a number of example implementations in which network management controller <b>14</b> may be leveraged with existing network equipment. For example, network management controller <b>14</b> may be coupled to a router <b>44</b> as illustrated in FIG. 2A. Alternatively, network management controller <b>14</b> may be inclusive of router <b>44</b> or indirectly coupled to router <b>44</b> where appropriate. Router <b>44</b> is a device or a piece of software that determines the next network point to which a packet of information is directed in communication system <b>10</b>. Router <b>44</b> may be coupled to any other network component within communication system <b>10</b> or to another router where appropriate. Additionally, router <b>44</b> may be positioned at a gateway or at a communications interface in order to direct packets of information from one point to the next. Router <b>44</b> may receive data packets from computers <b>16</b><i>a</i>-<b>16</b><i>d </i>and infected computer <b>18</b> and communicate those packets to external network <b>22</b>. In addition, router <b>44</b> may receive data packets from external network <b>22</b>, such as via external website <b>28</b>, and communicate those packets of information back to one or more computers <b>16</b><i>a</i>-<b>16</b><i>d </i>and infected computer <b>18</b>.

[0036]FIG. 2B is a block diagram that illustrates another example implementation network management controller <b>14</b> in which a switch <b>46</b> is coupled to network management controller <b>14</b>. Network management controller <b>14</b> may be coupled to switch <b>46</b> directly or indirectly, or alternatively switch <b>46</b> may be positioned within network management controller <b>14</b>. Switch <b>46</b> operates to receive one or more data packets from a communicating device and communicates those data packets to selected locations within communication system <b>10</b>. In addition, switch <b>46</b> may receive one or more data packets from external network <b>22</b>, policies node <b>38</b>, or any other suitable element or device within or external to communication system <b>10</b> in order to communicate information to one or more elements within communication system <b>10</b>.

[0037]FIG. 2C is a block diagram illustrating another example implementation of network management controller <b>14</b>. A firewall <b>48</b> may be coupled to network management controller <b>14</b> and may operate to discard, delete, or otherwise avoid damaging data segments sought to be communicated to any element or device within communication system <b>10</b>. Alternatively, firewall <b>48</b> may be inclusive of network management controller <b>14</b> or coupled indirectly to network management controller <b>14</b> where appropriate. Firewall <b>48</b> is a system architecture that enforces an access control policy between two nodes, such as a virtual private network (VPN) and a public node, such as the Internet. A VPN is a private data network that makes use of the public network infrastructure. A VPN network may provide secured sharing of public sources for data by using encryption techniques to ensure that only authorized users can view or “tunnel” into a company's private networking files.

[0038] Firewall <b>48</b> may determine which inside services or elements can be accessed from outside sources and which outside services and elements can be accessed by inside sources. In essence, firewall <b>48</b> may be viewed as a pair of tools that block and permit communications traffic. Firewall <b>48</b> may also provide a single choke point where security functions or audits (such as audits based on policies stored in policies node <b>38</b>) may be imposed. Firewall <b>48</b> may also provide a network administrator with data associated with what kinds or what amount of traffic has passed through it and how many attempts were made to break through the firewall architecture. Firewall <b>48</b> may also hide information about a network to which it is coupled and make it seem as though all outgoing traffic originates from firewall <b>48</b> rather than from internal network <b>24</b>.

[0039] Referring back to FIG. 1, computers <b>16</b><i>a</i>-<b>16</b><i>d </i>and infected computer <b>18</b> each represent a device that accepts information in the form of digital data and manipulates that information for some result based on a program or on a sequence of instructions. In a particular embodiment of the present invention, computers <b>16</b><i>a</i>-<b>16</b><i>d </i>each represent a desktop central processing unit that may receive and communicate data within communication system <b>10</b>. Alternatively, computers <b>16</b><i>a</i>-<b>16</b><i>d </i>and infected computer <b>18</b> may be any other suitable device for the communication of data. For example, computers <b>16</b><i>a</i>-<b>16</b><i>d </i>and infected computer <b>18</b> may be a cellular or wireless telephone, a personal digital assistance (PDA), a laptop or an electronic notebook, or any other device, component, or object capable of initiating voice or data exchanges within communication system <b>10</b>. Computers <b>16</b><i>a</i>-<b>16</b><i>d </i>and infecting computer <b>18</b> may additionally provide an interface to the human user, such as via microphone, display, keyboard, or other terminal equipment such as an interface to a personal computer or to a facsimile machine in cases where computers <b>16</b><i>a</i>-<b>16</b><i>d </i>and infected computer <b>18</b> are used as a modem. Computers <b>16</b><i>a</i>-<b>16</b><i>d</i>, and infected computer <b>18</b> may also be a database or a program capable of facilitating a data exchange between two nodes. Data, as used herein, refers to any type of numeric, voice, video or script data, or any other suitable information in any appropriate format that may be communicated from one point to another.

[0040] Computers <b>16</b><i>a </i>and <b>16</b><i>b </i>are illustrated in FIG. 1 as being included in a subset of computers particular to an engineering unit or an engineering division within a company or an entity. In addition, computer <b>16</b><i>c </i>is illustrated as associated with an accounting unit or division within an entity. Each of computers <b>16</b><i>a</i>-<b>16</b><i>d</i>, as well as infected computer <b>18</b>, are coupled to internal network <b>24</b> such that they may exchange data or otherwise interact in a network environment.

[0041] Computers <b>16</b><i>a</i>-<b>16</b><i>c </i>each include, in one embodiment, a virus detection element <b>40</b> and a communication protocol shim <b>42</b>. Computer <b>16</b><i>d</i>, however, does not include any type of virus detection element or communication protocol element. Computer <b>16</b><i>d </i>offers an example illustration of a communications unit within communication system <b>10</b> that is not in compliance with any security protocol.

[0042] Virus detection element <b>40</b> is an element or an object capable of detecting a damaging element after it has entered communication system <b>10</b>. Virus detection element <b>40</b> may be a collection of routines or programs that execute pattern matching, looking for specific or systematic traffic behavior. Data packet patterns may provide a medium for which damaging elements within a system's architecture may be identified. Virus detection element <b>40</b> may include any hardware, software, or elements operable to detect a damaging element, such as infective element <b>12</b>, present in communication system <b>10</b>. Virus detection element <b>40</b> may also be a desktop firewall product, such as those produced by Symantec Inc., Network Associates, or Computer Associates that perform some (potentially routine) security screening in insuring that a corresponding element is clean of potential harmful elements. Virus detection element <b>40</b> may also be capable of identifying a particular type of damaging element, such as a Trojan, a worm, or a virus, for example. Virus detection element <b>40</b> may communicate information associated with the type of damaging element introduced into communication system <b>10</b> to communication protocol shim <b>42</b>, to network management controller <b>14</b>, or to any other suitable location. Each of computers <b>16</b><i>a</i>-<b>16</b><i>c </i>may also include any suitable element operable to facilitate, or otherwise execute the disabling of a communications capability of infected computer <b>18</b>.

[0043] By providing a number of virus detection elements <b>40</b> within communication system <b>10</b>, a number of computers <b>16</b><i>a</i>-<b>16</b><i>c </i>are equipped with the intelligence to monitor their peers. This is important because even peers that are not in proper security compliance benefit from the teachings of the present invention in that they may be monitored and protected by other computers using cooperative signaling techniques. Accordingly, even a single computer equipped with communication protocol shim <b>42</b> may mitigate the negative affects of outdated or out of compliance components within a corresponding network.

[0044] Communication protocol shim <b>42</b> is a communications protocol element that facilitates community monitoring within communication system <b>10</b>. Communication protocol shim <b>42</b> may include hardware, software, or any other object or element operable to provide a signaling protocol to communication system <b>10</b>. Communication protocol shim <b>42</b> may also include a firewall protection element that ensures an integrity check has been executed. Communication protocol shim <b>42</b> may be configured such that once infected element <b>12</b> is identified, a signal is generated and sent to network management controller <b>14</b>. Communication protocol shim <b>42</b> provides cooperative signaling amongst peers by monitoring network components such that infected element <b>12</b> may be quickly identified. Communication protocol shim <b>42</b> may signal the presence of infective element <b>12</b> at infected computer <b>18</b> in any number of ways as discussed below.

[0045] In operation, once a damaging element is detected, communication protocol shim <b>42</b> may send a signal directly to infected computer <b>18</b> that signifies that infective element <b>12</b> is within its internal structure. Infected computer <b>18</b> may then respond to the signal by communicating with remediator website <b>30</b>, or alternatively by performing some cleaning or security check for its corresponding internal structure.

[0046] Communication protocol shim <b>42</b> may also respond to the detection of infective element <b>12</b> by sending a signal to network management controller <b>14</b> that identifies infected computer <b>18</b> as inclusive of infective element <b>12</b>. The signal may include the address of infected computer <b>18</b>, which uniquely identifies or otherwise distinguishes infected computer <b>18</b> from other components within communication system <b>10</b>. The signal generated and communicated by communication protocol shim <b>42</b> may be inclusive of the IP address of infected computer <b>18</b>.

[0047] In another embodiment of the present invention, communication protocol shim <b>42</b> responds to the detection of infective element <b>12</b> by broadcasting (or unicasting where appropriate to specific elements within communication system <b>10</b>) a generic signal to all network components within communication system <b>10</b> such that each of the components are aware of infective element <b>12</b>. A suitable broadcasting element coupled to network management controller <b>14</b> may also provide this operation to communication system <b>10</b>. This embodiment would allow, for example, computer <b>16</b><i>c </i>to identify and to further avoid communications transmitted from infected computer <b>18</b>. The broadcast signal may include an address or some other piece of information that uniquely identifies infected computer <b>18</b>. In addition, the broadcast signal may include the type of damaging element present in communication system <b>10</b> and further provide remedial measures to be taken if the damaging element is subsequently encountered.

[0048] As described above, communication protocol shim <b>42</b> may generate a signal that includes numerous pieces of information that relate to the presence of infective element <b>12</b>. For example, the signal may include the location of infective element <b>12</b> as given by a corresponding address (possibly an IP address) of where infective element <b>12</b> resides. In addition, the signal generated and communicated by communication protocol shim <b>42</b> may include information relating to the type of damaging element that has entered the system. Also, the signal may include information for remedial measures for coping with or for combating the damaging element. For example, certain damaging elements may be eliminated from the system by a simple deletion instruction, whereas others may need more complex instructions for how to combat their presence. Alternatively, the signal generated by communication protocol shim <b>42</b> may include any other suitable information that offers some guidance in handling the presence or harmful affects of infective element <b>12</b>.

[0049] External network <b>22</b> represents a series of points or nodes of interconnected communication paths for receiving and transmitting packets of information that propagate through communication system <b>10</b>. External network <b>22</b> may offer a communications interface between a node, such as external website <b>28</b>, and any element connected to internal network <b>24</b>. External network <b>22</b> may be any local area network (LAN), metropolitan area network (MAN) or wide area network (WAN), or any other appropriate architecture or system that facilitates communications in a mesh (wireless) network or in other suitable network environments. External network <b>22</b> implements a transmission control protocol/internet protocol (TCP/IP) communication language protocol in a particular embodiment of the present invention; however, external network <b>22</b> may alternatively implement any other suitable communication protocol for transmitting and receiving data packets within communication system <b>10</b>.

[0050] Internal network <b>24</b> represents an internal architecture that provides a communicative interface to one or more network components within communication system <b>10</b>. Internal network <b>24</b> allows computers <b>16</b><i>a</i>-<i>d</i>, infected computer <b>18</b>, network management controller <b>14</b>, and remediator website <b>30</b> to interact with each other in a network environment. In addition, internal network <b>24</b> may provide a communicative interface for any other elements or components within or external to communication system <b>10</b>. Internal network <b>24</b> is a VPN in a particular embodiment of the present invention; however internal network <b>24</b> may alternatively by any LAN, MAN, WAN, or any other architecture system that facilitates communications in a network environment. Internal network <b>24</b> implements a TCP/IP communication language protocol in a particular embodiment of the present invention; however, internal network <b>24</b> may alternatively implement any other suitable communication protocol for transmitting and receiving data packets within communication system <b>10</b>.

[0051] External website <b>28</b> is a collection of webfiles or data that resides in a particular network location. External website <b>28</b> may be any company, organization, individual, or entity that offers information to be communicated on the network environment. External website <b>28</b> is coupled to external network <b>22</b> and may be accessed by any of computers <b>16</b><i>a</i>-<b>16</b><i>d</i>. In the example provided above, external website <b>28</b> communicated infective element <b>12</b> to infected computer <b>18</b> via external network <b>22</b> and internal network <b>24</b>.

[0052] Remediator website <b>30</b> is a security element designed to facilitate the removal of infective element <b>12</b> from infected computer <b>18</b> in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Remediator website <b>30</b> is coupled to internal network <b>24</b> and infected computer <b>18</b>, and may receive a communication from infected computer <b>18</b> after it has been identified as a rogue, i.e. inclusive of a damaging element. Infected computer <b>18</b> may be shunted or otherwise directed to remediator website <b>30</b> until the proper software or configurations are downloaded or until infective element <b>12</b> is removed from infected computer <b>18</b>. Remediator website <b>30</b> may include hardware, software, or any other object or element that combats or that facilitates the removal of infective element <b>12</b>. Alternatively, where infected computer <b>18</b> has been erroneously directed to remediator website <b>30</b>, remediator website <b>30</b> may evaluate infected computer <b>18</b> and determine that it is in proper security compliance and accordingly permit infected computer <b>18</b> to further communicate within communication system <b>10</b>.

[0053] Authentication server <b>34</b> is a server program that handles requests for access to computer architecture resources. Authentication server <b>34</b> may provide authentication, authorization, and accounting services (as well as overall management) to internal network <b>24</b> and external network <b>22</b>. Authorization generally refers to the process of giving an end user permission to do or to access something. In multi-user computer systems, a system administrator may define for the system which end users are allowed access to given locations in the system and further what privileges for an end user are provided. Once an end user has logged into a sub-network, such as internal network <b>24</b> for example, the sub-network may wish to identify what resources the end user is given during the communication session. Thus, authorization within communication system <b>10</b> may be seen both as a preliminary setting up of permissions by a system administrator and the actual checking or verification of the permission values that have been set up when an end user of any one of computers <b>16</b><i>a</i>-<b>16</b><i>d </i>is attempting access.

[0054] Authentication generally refers to the process of determining whether an end user is in fact who or what it is declared to be. In the case of private or public networks, authentication may be commonly done, for example, through the use of unique digital certificates or log-on user password pairs or any other distinguishing identification element. Knowledge of the password offers a presumption that the end user is authentic. Accounting services and overall management generally refers to the ability to monitor and record the networking actions of computers <b>16</b><i>a</i>-<b>16</b><i>d</i>. This user or session information may be stored in the form of a profile for specific end users or for specific components within communication system <b>10</b>.

[0055] Authentication server <b>34</b> may also authenticate any one of computers <b>16</b><i>a</i>-<b>16</b><i>d </i>such that false signals, purporting to identify a false damaging element as present within communication system <b>10</b>, may be appropriately disregarded. Authentication server <b>34</b> may receive a signal from network management controller <b>14</b> that requests an authentication function to be performed before network management controller <b>14</b> proceeds to disable a communication capability of infected computer <b>18</b>. Authentication server <b>34</b> may respond to the query by properly authenticating the selected computer, which generated and communicated the signal identifying infected computer <b>18</b> as inclusive of infective element <b>12</b>.

[0056] In a particular embodiment of the present invention, network management controller <b>14</b> may additionally implement a “Byzantine Agreement” protocol in which multiple computers <b>16</b><i>a</i>-<b>16</b><i>d </i>must generate and communicate a signal identifying infected computer <b>18</b> as inclusive of infective element <b>12</b> before network management controller <b>14</b> initiates an action. This “Byzantine Agreement” protocol allows network management controller <b>14</b> to disregard false signals or signals that are invalid such that an action to disable a communicating capability of infected computer <b>18</b> is only executed after at least two signals (or some suitable configurable number) identifying infective element <b>12</b> have been received by network management controller <b>14</b>.

[0057] Policies node <b>38</b> is a data storage element that includes protocols that dictate what may be accessed and run by elements within communication system <b>10</b>. Policies node <b>38</b> may be coupled to network management controller <b>14</b> and may communicate information thereto, which enables network management controller <b>14</b> to implement policies based on the specific restrictions or capabilities of computers <b>16</b><i>a</i>-<b>16</b><i>d</i>. The policies included within policies node <b>38</b> may be items such as: quality of service, access/authorization privileges, high availability, priority, or any other suitable network enhancement or communications feature.

[0058] In a particular embodiment of the present invention, network management controller <b>14</b> may access policies node <b>38</b> in order to retrieve information about the services provided to each of computers <b>16</b><i>a</i>-<b>16</b><i>d </i>and infected computer <b>18</b>. In the case where infected element <b>18</b> is discovered as inclusive of infective element <b>12</b>, network management controller <b>14</b> may access policies node <b>38</b> in order to disable one or more of those policies or services being provided to infected <b>18</b> until it properly complies with the requisite security parameters. This allows network management controller <b>14</b> yet another way to address infected computer <b>18</b> once infective element <b>12</b> is discovered within communication system <b>10</b>. Thus, policies node <b>38</b> offers the ability to directly effect a policy relating to infected computer <b>18</b>, which is sought to be restricted because of the presence of a damaging element.

[0059]FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a series of steps associated with a method for detecting infective element <b>12</b> within communication system <b>10</b> in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The method begins at step <b>100</b> where a first computer, such as computer <b>16</b><i>a </i>for example, detects infective element <b>12</b> within a second computer (infected computer <b>18</b> for purposes of this example) through inspection of traffic sent from or otherwise associated with infected computer <b>18</b>. Infective element <b>12</b> may be detected by virus detection element <b>40</b> or through the monitoring of network traffic sent by computer <b>18</b>.

[0060] At step <b>102</b> a signal is generated by communication protocol shim <b>42</b> that identifies infected computer <b>18</b> as being associated with infective element <b>12</b>. The signal may include the IP address of infected computer <b>18</b>, the type of damaging element infective element <b>12</b> is, the remedial measures to be taken when encountering infective element <b>12</b>, or any other suitable information relating to the presence of infective element <b>12</b>. The signal may be communicated directly to infected computer <b>18</b>, to any one of a number of components coupled to internal network <b>24</b>, or to network management controller <b>14</b> as illustrated in step <b>104</b>.

[0061] From step <b>104</b>, the signal may be responded to in various ways as illustrated by steps <b>106</b> and <b>108</b>. At step <b>106</b>, the signal is received and a communicating capability of infected computer <b>18</b> may be disabled. The disablement may include removing or reassigning the address associated with infected computer <b>18</b>. Alternatively, at step <b>108</b> infected computer <b>18</b> may be disabled by employing sandboxing, constraining, isolating, or siderailing techniques as described above. In addition, communications may be avoided by network components forewarned of potential harmful elements, items, or agents communicated by infected computer <b>18</b>. Network management controller <b>14</b> may also execute any number of other actions in order to prohibit infected computer <b>18</b> from further communications. For example, network management controller <b>14</b> may access polices node <b>38</b> in order to restrict some service offered to infected computer <b>18</b> or invoke policies node <b>38</b> in removing the IP address of infected computer <b>18</b>. In addition, network management controller <b>14</b> may broadcast an alert signal to components within communication system <b>10</b> to beware of communications from infected computer <b>18</b>.

[0062] Although several embodiments have been illustrated and described in detail, it will be understood that various substitutions and alterations can be made therein without departing from the teachings of the present invention. For example, although the peer monitoring approach of the present invention has been described with reference to a network application, communication system <b>10</b> may be implemented in any environment that seeks to implement a security protocol, such as in wireless networks, database architectures, or cellular telephone applications, for example. This may include any device or element susceptible to receiving a harmful element via some digital communication.

[0063] Additionally, although numerous components, such as network management controller <b>14</b> or communication protocol shim <b>42</b>, have been illustrated in designated positions of communication system <b>10</b>, these elements may be placed in any suitable location or within any appropriate structure such that the cooperative signaling approach of the present invention is achieved. Numerous other changes, substitutions, variations, alterations, and modifications may be suggested to one skilled in the art, and it is intended that the present invention encompass all such changes, substitutions, variations, alterations, and modifications as following within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.