Anonymization Module for Secure Data Transmission

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Solution Overview

Problem

As more enterprises use third-party hosted applications, there is a need for efficient data security measures to protect data from unauthorized access, particularly in cloud computing environments where data is transmitted and stored across networks.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for anonymizing data transmitted to a destination computing device, which involves determining an accent value for received data, generating an accent value word, and applying a selective anonymization strategy to derive an anonymized word, along with the accent value and strategy, for secure transmission and de-anonymization upon retrieval.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If data is transmitted in plain text to third-party hosted applications, then data transmission is simple and fast, but data security and privacy are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata securityVSAvoiddata processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by transforming the data representation from plain text to anonymized form using mathematical operations. The anonymization process modifies the data parameters (character codes, string representations) while preserving searchability and sortability, thus enhancing security without complete loss of data functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary anonymization layer between the client and third-party hosted application. This intermediary process translates sensitive data into anonymized forms before transmission, acting as a mediator that protects data while allowing legitimate access and search operations to proceed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If traditional encryption is applied to data, then data security is improved, but data searchability and sortability are lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata securityVSAvoiddata searchability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by differentiating the treatment of different data characteristics. The anonymization process preserves certain local properties (searchability, sortability, case-sensitivity) while transforming others (actual data values). This selective preservation allows the data to maintain functionality for search and sort operations while being secured from unauthorized access.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses parameter changes to transform data in a way that maintains searchability. By using reversible anonymization techniques that preserve certain mathematical properties and relationships, the data can be secured while still allowing efficient search and sort operations without requiring decryption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If data anonymization is applied to all data, then data privacy is maximized, but data integrity and functionality may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata privacyVSAvoiddata integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by selectively anonymizing only the portions of data that require privacy protection while preserving other characteristics. The system maintains data integrity for fields that need to remain accurate and functional, while applying anonymization to sensitive fields, thus achieving privacy enhancement without compromising overall data quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies partial action by anonymizing only the necessary portions of data rather than all data. The system determines which data elements require anonymization based on sensitivity levels and applies the anonymization process selectively, maintaining data integrity where needed while achieving privacy protection where required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

4Reliability

If complex anonymization algorithms are used, then data security is enhanced, but processing time and performance are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata securityVSAvoiddata transmission performance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses parameter changes with efficient mathematical operations that can be performed quickly. The anonymization process uses reversible transformations that maintain data properties while enhancing security, allowing for fast processing without requiring complex computational algorithms that would significantly slow down data transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS9231920B1System and method to anonymize data transmitted to a destination computing device
Publication Date: 2016.01.05 FORTRA LLC

AI summary

A method and system for anonymizing data to be transmitted to a destination computing device is disclosed. Anonymization strategy for data anonymization is provided. Data to be transmitted is received from a user computer. Selective anonymization of the data is performed, based on a selected anonymization strategy, using an anonymization module. Accent preservation of data is selected. An accent value for the data is determined. The anonymized data with the determined accent value and data indicative of the selected anonymization strategy is transmitted to the destination computing device over a network.