Auditing Authorization Inconsistencies in Content Delivery Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing content delivery networks face challenges in detecting and preventing unauthorized signal usage due to inconsistencies in authorization systems, leading to potential unauthorized access and usage of content, which can be difficult to correct and may remain undetected for extended periods.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced to identify inconsistencies between accessibility and authorization indicators for receivers in a content delivery network, involving the comparison of indicators from various systems such as subscriber management and conditional access systems, with corrective actions including disabling unauthorized receivers and taking legal action, to ensure authorized usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple independent authorization systems are used to control receiver access, then access control capability is improved, but authorization consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple independent authorization systems (subscriber management system, conditional access system, and service authorization system) into a unified authorization framework. The system integrates authorization records from these separate systems and performs comprehensive consistency checks across all of them, ensuring that a receiver's authorization status is synchronized and consistent across the entire network infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous feedback mechanisms where the system periodically audits authorization records across all systems, detects inconsistencies, and automatically triggers correction procedures. The feedback loop includes monitoring authorization changes, verifying consistency, and initiating corrective actions when discrepancies are found, thereby maintaining long-term authorization consistency.
2Measurement precision
If comprehensive authorization checks are performed across all systems, then detection accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the comprehensive authorization check process into distinct modular components: an audit module that collects authorization records from different systems, a comparison module that identifies inconsistencies, and a correction module that resolves detected issues. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, making the overall complex process more manageable and maintainable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary authorization audit system that acts as a mediator between the multiple independent authorization systems. This intermediary collects, standardizes, and compares authorization data from various sources without requiring direct integration between the original systems, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining comprehensive detection capability.
3Reliability
If unauthorized receivers are disabled immediately upon detection, then security is improved, but network service continuity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary verification actions before disabling unauthorized receivers. The system first detects potential unauthorized access, then conducts additional verification checks to confirm the unauthorized status, and only after confirmation does it disable the receiver. This preliminary action sequence ensures that legitimate receivers are not mistakenly disabled, maintaining service continuity while improving security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a buffer mechanism that allows for verification and confirmation periods before executing the disabling action. This cushioning approach provides a safety margin that prevents premature or erroneous disabling of receivers, thereby protecting network service continuity while still enabling timely security responses.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for auditing unauthorized usage in a subscriber content delivery network is described. The method and system includes identifying an indicator relating to accessibility for a receiver intended for receiving signals through the network; obtaining an indicator relating to authorization for a pre-determined service offering of the network; and determining whether the indicator of access ability is consistent with the indicator relating to authorization to thereby ascertain that the receiver is capable of engaging in unauthorized usage. The method and system may optionally include undertaking an action to change at least one of the indicator of access ability and the indicator relating to authorization.