Web Browser Reputation Module for Malware Risk Mitigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face challenges in distinguishing between legitimate and malicious software when downloading programs, as malware can be disguised and difficult to identify, leading to potential infections and poor user experiences.
Innovation Solution
A Web browser integrates a reputation module that sends file information to a remote reputation service, receiving a reputation indication to determine an appropriate user interface, including warnings or recommendations based on the file's risk level, thereby informing users about the safety of installing the software.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If users download programs from numerous different sources, then users have many choices and can find desired programs, but users may unintentionally download malware disguised as legitimate programs
Solution Approach 1:
A reputation service is introduced as an intermediary between the user and the downloaded file. The service receives file information, determines reputation indications, and returns results to the web browser, which then presents appropriate user interfaces to users. This intermediary system enables users to safely access programs from multiple sources while protecting against malware through centralized reputation verification.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If malware is disguised as another program, then malware can deceive users into installing it, but users find it difficult to correctly determine which programs are safe to download
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by having the reputation service continuously monitor and evaluate file reputations, then return this information to the web browser. The browser uses this feedback to dynamically adjust its user interface presentation, displaying warnings or safety indicators based on the reputation indication received from the service.
Solution Approach 2:
The reputation service performs preliminary action by evaluating file reputations before the user installs the program. The system determines reputation indications in advance and presents this information to users through modified user interfaces, allowing users to make informed decisions before installation occurs.
3Reliability
If the web browser presents detailed safety warnings for all downloaded files, then user safety is improved, but user experience deteriorates due to excessive warnings and reduced ease of use
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by tailoring the user interface presentation to the specific reputation indication of each file. Instead of uniformly treating all downloads the same way, the browser modifies its presentation based on the individual file's risk level, displaying detailed warnings only for high-risk files while maintaining smooth operation for safe files.
Data Source
AI summary
A Web browser of a computing device downloads or otherwise obtains a file. File information identifying the file is obtained and is sent to a remote reputation service. Client information identifying aspects of the computing device can also optionally be sent to the remote reputation service. In response to the file information (and optionally client information), a reputation indication for the file is received from the remote reputation service. A user interface for the Web browser to present at the computing device is determined, based at least in part on the reputation indication, and presented at the computing device.