Theoretical Topics and Challenges With FortiPath

[cywf]

Okay, let's get into the theoretical pieces to the project.

The very nature of Executive Protection implies a certain level of secrecy by applied and intensely considered. It poses a lot of difficult challenges and constraints from a developmental prospective. Some of those questions include:

1. How do we open source a foundational application, while have a monetization strategy that is profitable?
2. How do we ensure the data privacy and online security of client / principle information, given the need to have input sensitive information (like itinerary, location, proprietary information, intellectual property, ect.) in order to have the context to make FortiPath an effective tool for agents to use in the field?
3. How do we ensure that data in transit and at rest is secured?
4. How can we keep an open source philosophy while dealing with clients that are used to closed source (or proprietary / intellectual property) methodologies, while ensuring to them that their sensitive information will remain a secret?
5. How can we build in a modular way, that will allow options for both ephemeral or enduring resources? Meaning for example: if an agent preforms an advance in a city for a client on one detail, but would like to use some of that operational data on another detail for a different client, how could they do so with out breaching the privacy or exposing sensitive information of a previous detail to other agents who may not need to be privy to that prior information?

There will be more questions I add later on, and as I find answers to them I will share them in this discussion thread with you as I solve them. This is an open topic to discuss, so if your reading and feel like sharing your thoughts on this, please feel free to comment on these hard questions!

cywf

[cywf]

1. Open Source with a Monetization Strategy

• Open Source Foundations with Commercial Extensions: The core application can be open-sourced, allowing for community contributions, transparency, and trust. However, specialized modules or extensions (e.g., advanced analytics, integration with specific proprietary systems) can be developed as commercial offerings. This is similar to the Red Hat model with Linux.

• Service and Support: While the software is open source, you can offer premium support, training, and consultancy services. Enterprises often pay for guaranteed support levels.

• Hosted Solutions: Offer a cloud-hosted version of FortiPath with added benefits like managed updates, backups, and 24/7 support. This SaaS model can be a significant revenue stream.

2. Data Privacy and Online Security

• End-to-End Encryption: Ensure that all sensitive data, both in transit and at rest, is encrypted. Only the end user should have the decryption keys, ensuring that even if data is intercepted, it remains unreadable.

• Local Data Processing: Instead of centralizing data processing, allow the application to process sensitive data locally on the user's device or system. This way, sensitive data doesn't need to leave the user's environment.

• Zero-Knowledge Architecture: Design the system in such a way that even the service providers (you) don't have access to the client's raw data.

3. Securing Data in Transit and at Rest

• Data in Transit: Use protocols like TLS to encrypt data as it moves between the client and servers. Regularly update and patch systems to ensure they're protected against known vulnerabilities.

• Data at Rest: Use strong encryption standards to encrypt stored data. Ensure that encryption keys are securely managed and rotated.

4. Balancing Open Source and Closed Source Philosophies

• Transparency and Auditing: One of the benefits of open source is transparency. Clients can audit the codebase to ensure there are no backdoors or vulnerabilities. This can be a selling point.

• Plugin Architecture: Allow for proprietary plugins or modules. While the core remains open, clients can develop or commission proprietary plugins that integrate with the system without exposing them to the public.

5. Modular Design for Ephemeral or Enduring Resources

• Data Tagging and Access Control: Implement a system where data is tagged based on its sensitivity and origin. Access controls can then be applied based on these tags, ensuring that agents only access data they're authorized to see.

• Data Masking and Anonymization: For data that might be reused across different details, implement data masking or anonymization techniques. This way, the operational data can be used without revealing specifics about the previous detail.

• Ephemeral Data Modes: Allow for modes where data is automatically deleted or anonymized after a certain period or after its intended use is complete.