Network Monitoring And Intellectual Property Protection Device, System, And Method

Abstract

A method and device for detecting and halting specified peer-to-peer (“P2P”) and / or Internet Relay Chat (“IRC”) communication sessions based on a priori defined templates is described. Network packets are intercepted and inspected for patterns (defined by the templates) that identify them as definitely, likely or not being associated with one of the specified P2P and / or IRC protocols. Those packets identified as definitely belonging to one of the specified protocols are prevented from reaching their target destination. Those packets identified as only likely belonging to one of the specified protocols are permitted to continue toward their target destination after select information about the particular session / packet is recorded for later use. Those packets identified as not belonging to one of the specified protocols are permitted to continue to their target destination.

Description

Cross-Reference to Related Application[0001]This application is a continuation of U.S. Non-provisional patent application Ser. No. 11 / 549,568, filed on Oct. 13, 2006, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]The invention relates generally to network monitoring devices and methods for the protection of intellectual property and more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to the detection and halting of peer-to-peer communications between computer systems.[0003]A peer-to-peer (“P2P”) computer network is a network that relies primarily on the collective computing power and bandwidth of the network's individual nodes rather than concentrating it's computational power in a relatively few dedicated systems or servers. P2P networks are typically used for connecting nodes via largely ad hoc connections for sharing files (e.g., audio and video data files) and realtime data (e.g., Internet telephony traffic).[0004]Because of its decent...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

These dangers include, but are not limited to, exposing the organization's network to the introduction of viruses (programs that are loaded onto a user's computer without their knowledge and that usually perform malicious actions), spyware (software that covertly gathers user information and transmits that information to an unknown third party) and malware (software that is intentionally included or inserted in a system for a harmful purpose), the excessive use of network storage facilities, the loss of proprietary data (e.g., trade secrets) and the liability associated with their users (e.g., employees and students) sharing and distributing copyrighted material without the owners consent.

In the former, one's agreement to forgo use of P2P technology does not in itself prevent such use.

The rapid and acknowledged use of P2P technology for the widespread distribution of copyrighted and other proprietary material attests to the limited ability of these approaches to satisfactorily deal with the use of P2P networks.

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