Application Controller for Reputation-Based File Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing file security systems struggle to effectively manage and protect against malware by accurately assessing the reputation of files based on their history and source, leading to potential security breaches and inefficiencies in resource management.
Innovation Solution
An application controller program evaluates file reputation to determine appropriate software applications and environments for opening files, utilizing metadata to manage access and security settings, and selecting secure or insecure applications based on the file's reputation, with the ability to associate reputation information with the file for future management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional file security systems are used to manage and protect files, then basic security functions are provided, but the systems struggle to accurately assess file reputation and effectively manage malware threats
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by evaluating file reputation before the file is opened or executed. The application controller assesses the file's history, source, and associated metadata in advance, determining its reputation score prior to allowing access. This preliminary assessment enables the system to prepare appropriate security measures and select suitable application environments before potential malware threats can execute.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary component - the application controller - that acts as a mediator between the file and the application environment. This controller evaluates file reputation and mediates the selection of appropriate application environments, preventing direct execution of potentially malicious files in unrestricted environments. The intermediary assesses metadata, communicates with reputation databases, and makes informed decisions about file handling.
2Reliability
If files are opened in restricted secure environments to prevent malware propagation, then security is improved, but resource utilization and system performance may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by creating different application environments with varying security restrictions based on the specific file's reputation. Instead of uniformly restricting all files to highly secure but resource-intensive environments, the system tailors the environment's security level to match the file's assessed risk. Trusted files can execute in more permissive, resource-efficient environments, while suspicious files are isolated in restricted environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes parameters of the application environment dynamically based on file reputation characteristics. The application controller adjusts security parameters, resource allocation, and environment restrictions according to the evaluated reputation score. This parameter adjustment allows the system to optimize between security and performance by matching environment stringency to actual file risk levels.
3Measurement precision
If comprehensive metadata is collected and analyzed to assess file reputation, then security assessment accuracy is improved, but system complexity and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts only the most relevant metadata and reputation indicators needed for accurate assessment, rather than analyzing all possible file attributes. The application controller identifies and extracts key characteristics such as file source, historical behavior patterns, associated applications, and known threat signatures. This selective extraction maintains assessment accuracy while reducing processing overhead and system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal metadata framework that serves multiple functions simultaneously. The same collected metadata is used for reputation assessment, application selection, environment configuration, and security policy enforcement. This multi-functional use of metadata reduces the need for separate data collection systems and simplifies the overall architecture while maintaining comprehensive assessment capabilities.
4Adaptability or versatility
If an application controller is introduced to evaluate file reputation and select appropriate applications, then file security and reputation-based management are improved, but the complexity of the security system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the application controller functionality with existing file management and security infrastructure. Rather than creating a completely separate complex system, the controller integrates with the operating system's file handling mechanisms, application launch processes, and existing security policies. This merging allows reputation-based management to be implemented within the existing system architecture, reducing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The application controller implements self-service by autonomously evaluating file reputation, selecting appropriate applications, and configuring execution environments without requiring extensive manual configuration or intervention. The system automatically communicates with reputation databases, interprets metadata, and makes real-time decisions about file handling. This self-service capability reduces the operational complexity and administrative burden despite the enhanced functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
In embodiments, a framework for an extensible, file-based security system is described for determining an appropriate application, application environment, and/or access or security control measure based at least in part on a file's reputation.