Content Management System Sensitive Data Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Content management systems fail to adequately protect sensitive information from unintentional disclosure, as encryption does not prevent authorized users from accessing sensitive content, and sharing features can inadvertently expose sensitive data to unauthorized parties.
Innovation Solution
Implement a method within the content management system to detect sensitive content items, prompt users to confirm sharing actions, and apply protective measures such as expiring sharing links, requiring access codes, or encrypting content, based on user opt-in settings and sharing histories.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If content encryption is used to protect sensitive information, then unauthorized users are prevented from accessing sensitive content, but invited users can still access sensitive information in unencrypted form
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of sensitive information in content items before sharing operations. When sensitive content is detected, the system proactively prompts the sharing user to review and confirm the sharing action, preventing inadvertent disclosure before it occurs. This preliminary intervention resolves the contradiction by maintaining encryption protection while adding a safety check for authorized users.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms that notify users when sensitive content is detected in items they attempt to share. The notification provides information about the sensitive content type and seeks user confirmation before proceeding with sharing. This feedback loop ensures that encryption protection remains intact while preventing accidental exposure to authorized users who should not have access.
2Reliability
If the system prompts users to confirm sharing actions for sensitive content, then inadvertent disclosure is reduced, but user operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies confirmation prompts selectively only to content items containing sensitive information, rather than requiring confirmation for all sharing operations. The sensitive content detection engine analyzes content locally to identify sensitive patterns, and prompts are triggered only when such patterns are found. This localized approach maintains ease of operation for normal sharing while providing protection where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses automated sensitive content detection algorithms to identify and flag sensitive information without requiring user input. The detection engine autonomously analyzes content, determines sensitivity, and initiates the confirmation process automatically. This self-service approach reduces the operational burden on users while maintaining reliable protection against inadvertent disclosure.
3Reliability
If the system detects and protects all sensitive content items, then information security is enhanced, but system complexity and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements partial detection by focusing on specific types of sensitive information (personally identifiable information, financial data, health information) rather than attempting to detect all possible sensitive content. The detection engine uses targeted pattern recognition for known sensitive data formats. This partial action approach enhances information security for critical data types while limiting system complexity to manageable levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensitive content detection system is segmented into modular components: content analysis modules for different data types, sensitivity classification modules, and protective action modules. Each segment handles specific aspects of sensitive content management independently. This segmentation reduces overall system complexity by allowing each component to be optimized and maintained separately while working together to provide comprehensive protection.
4Reliability
If sharing links are made to expire automatically, then sensitive information exposure risk is reduced, but usability for legitimate sharing decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic link expiration policies that adjust based on the sensitivity level of the shared content and user preferences. For highly sensitive content, links expire automatically after a short period. For less sensitive content or when users opt-out of protection, links remain permanently accessible. This dynamic approach balances exposure risk reduction with usability for legitimate sharing scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows users to modify parameters such as link expiration time, access codes, and notification settings based on their specific sharing needs. Users can opt-out of automatic expiration for non-sensitive content or adjust expiration periods to match their requirements. This parameter flexibility maintains security for sensitive information while preserving ease of operation for legitimate use cases.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are disclosed for protecting a user of a content management system from inadvertently or accidentally disclosing sensitive information contained in a content item hosted with the system. In response to receiving a request by the user to perform a sensitive information exposing action on the sensitive content item, the content management system performs a sensitive information protective action for the sensitive content item. By doing so, the techniques improve the operation of the content management system through increased information security.