Context-Aware Access Control for Digital Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data access control systems lack effective mechanisms to authorize access based on the context of the requesting device, which can lead to unauthorized access and security breaches, especially for sensitive data protected by Digital Rights Management (DRM) techniques.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that evaluate access requests based on the context of the requesting device, using a user security analytics module to determine if the request is legitimate by comparing the context with established access patterns, and optionally notifying an authorization device for further evaluation, allowing automated or manual decision-making based on predefined rules and policies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If access control is provided by username and password combination, then data security is improved, but the system cannot effectively detect unauthorized access attempts from compromised credentials
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors access requests and compares them against established access patterns, creating a feedback loop that dynamically adjusts security responses. When anomalies are detected, the system can trigger alerts or block access, making security adaptive rather than static.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary security module that sits between the authentication system and data access. This intermediary analyzes access requests independently of username/password validation, adding a layer of security that can detect compromised credentials even when authentication succeeds.
2Ease of operation
If data is stored on servers connected to the Internet, then data accessibility is improved, but the risk of unauthorized access and security breaches increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary analysis of access requests by comparing them against pre-established access patterns before granting access. This preliminary action allows the system to block potentially malicious access attempts before they can compromise data security.
Solution Approach 2:
The security system monitors and protects itself by automatically detecting anomalies in access patterns and responding without human intervention. The system self-adjusts to new threats by learning from established patterns and identifying deviations.
3Reliability
If access control mechanisms are enhanced with context evaluation, then security against unauthorized access is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The access pattern analysis module serves multiple functions: it monitors access requests, compares them against patterns, detects anomalies, and triggers security responses. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components, managing complexity while enhancing security.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically learns and updates access patterns from legitimate user behavior without requiring manual configuration or intervention. This self-learning capability reduces the complexity of system setup and maintenance while improving security detection accuracy.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system and method to control access to data are disclosed. An access request is received from a requesting device to access requested data and a context for the requesting device is determined. An access pattern for the requested data is determined based at least on the request and the context. A deviation between the context and the access pattern is determined and based on determining the deviation, a decision request to allow or deny the access request is sent. Based on a response to the decision request, access to the requested data is allowed.