Integrity Check of Remote Computer Systems Trusted Network Connect

Abstract

The economic dependence on fast and inexpensive exchange of information that has arisen as a result of globalisation is leading to ever increasing levels of networking. The internet provides a communication infrastructure that is available worldwide. However, it does not provide for trustworthy communication, as it is not possible to assess the computer systems in the network with respect to their system integrity and trustworthiness. The same also applies to intranets. Visitors and field workers who use their computer systems both inside and outside the company network represent a threat to the company through these computer systems. By using the computer systems outside the company network they are also working outside the protective measures and control area of the company’s IT. Solution approaches such as Trusted Network Connect (TNC) provide methods for determining the integrity of end points which serve as a basis for trustworthy communication. The configurations of the end points can be measured on both the software and hardware level. It is possible to realise policy-controlled access control through the reconciliation of defined safety rules.