Method, apparatuses and computer software for enabling communication within a virtual network while the network's communications are restricted due to security threats

摘要

A system (300) and method for enabling a network device (228,234,236) to resume network activities in a secure manner on a communication network when network activities are generally blocked by protective security measures implemented by network security modules (246,248,250,254) is presented. During its periodic update request, a network security module (246,248,250,254) blocking the network activities of the network device requests updated security measures from an administrator-configurable security service (210). The security service (210) determines whether the network security module/network device (228,234,236), (246,248,250,254) may receive a relaxed set of security measures that, when implemented by the network security module (246,248,250,254), enable the network device to resume some network activities. If the security service (210) determines that the network security module/network device (228,234,236), (246,248,250,254) may receive a relaxed set of security measures, the relaxed set of security measures are returned to and implemented on the network security module (246,248,250,254), thereby enabling the network device (228,234,236) to resume some network activities.