Importance

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Abstract

A universal patching machine is used to provide network-based security for a data network. The universal patching machine may be implemented on a network appliance located at the edge of the data network. From this location, the universal patching machine intercepts data traffic between the internet and the data network. The universal patching machine examines the intercepted data traffic to detect security vulnerabilities. If a vulnerability violation is detected, the universal patching machine modifies the data traffic to remove the violation. Fixing the data traffic in this way ensures that the vulnerability cannot be exploited in an attack against the data network. The universal patching machine is formed from patch processors and a packet controller. The patch processors are formed from network patches. In operation, the patch processors detect vulnerabilities and issue modification commands that direct the packet controller to fix the data traffic.

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First Claim