System and method for validation of distributed data storage systems

Abstract

Provided herein is a risk framework tool for a distributed ledger-based computing system (i.e., blockchain) that can present a common risk framework to a user that can then allow for the user to determine what risks are important for it to manage. The risk framework can then take those specified risks and convert them in to a plurality of tests that can be used to validate the organization's blockchain system. In one or more examples, the risk framework can provide a graphical user interface to user that allows them specify the risks they wish to manage within the blockchain computing system, and based on the user's inputs, can determine one or more continuous real-time validation tests to be performed on the blockchain computing system so as to characterize the risk specified by user using the risk framework.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]The present application which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62 / 579,093, filed Oct. 30, 2017, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62 / 579,095, filed Oct. 30, 2017, each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety and for all purposes.FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE[0002]The present disclosure relates generally to validation of distributed data storage systems, such as, for example, blockchain-based data storage systems.BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE[0003]A distributed data storage (which may be referred to as a distributed database) system may include data storage devices that are not connected to a common processing unit, but are in different computing systems located at the same physical location or dispersed across one or more networks of interconnected computing systems at different physical locations. The data storage devices may communicate with each other via one or more wir...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0012]Accordingly, there is a need for systems and methods to replace the conventional validation approach with a real-time validating process to build confidence and assurance in the blockchain technology. The concept behind real-time validating is to inspect data activities closer and closer to the point of occurrence. Real-time validating eliminates the concept of sampling in the conventional validating process. The purpose of sampling is to perform backwards-looking assessments of segments of populations to draw conclusions about the rest of the population. The embodiments described herein provide blockchain assurance-related baselines that eliminate the need for sampling in blockchain validating.

[0013]The type of validation and auditing required for a given a distributed ledger-based system such as blockchain can be user specific. No two organizations may need the same validation regime to audit its blockchain system. Often times, various risks and concerns may be important in one context, but not as critical in others. Therefore, there is a need to specify the types of tests that will be used based on a specific user / organization's risk priorities. The present disclosure thus provides a common risk framework that can allow for a user to conveniently determine what risks are important for it to manage. The risk framework can then take those specified risks and convert them in to a plurality of tests that can be used to validate the organization's blockchain system. The risk framework can thus be used to customize a software tool that can then be used to perform real-time validation of an organizations blockchain computing infrastructure and system.

Problems solved by technology

Blockchain presents a challenge to the traditional validation (also referred to as audit) approach, given there's no practical way to use point-in-time forensic analysis—the standard validation tool.

Attempting to conduct a point-in-time forensic retrospective analysis can be ineffective and wildly inefficient.

Such approach could cause significant technical complexities, challenges, and inefficiencies in the validation of a blockchain-based data storage system.

Due to the increase in data activities, current validation methodologies that are manual, sample-based, and point-in-time do not provide the needed level of confidence.

Current audit methodologies cannot provide the necessary assurance in areas where a blockchain is used.

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