Self-Service Portal for Tracking Application Data File Dissemination
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a self-service portal to track the dissemination of application data files, particularly in organizations where sensitive or proprietary information is exchanged, to monitor and identify users accessing specific types of information, and to prevent unauthorized external transmission.
Innovation Solution
A computing platform generates a graphical user interface for uploading application data files, which includes an option to designate internal or external use and confidentiality, and incorporates a tracking element. This platform communicates the data file to a storage location, where it can be accessed by users, and uses a Data Loss Prevention (DLP) system to detect and prevent unauthorized external transmission by analyzing network traffic and email messages or data packets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If application data files are exchanged freely between users via email, file transfer protocols, and file servers, then ease of operation is improved, but data security and tracking capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system embeds tracking elements into application data files before they are exchanged between users. This preliminary action ensures that tracking capability is built into the file itself, allowing monitoring of dissemination without requiring users to manually register or configure tracking during file exchange operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a self-service portal as an intermediary system between users and file exchange channels. The portal manages tracking elements, receives notifications about file access, and provides tracking information, thereby enabling security monitoring without directly interfering with the ease of file exchange through email, FTP, or other protocols.
2Reliability
If tracking elements are embedded in application data files, then data security and tracking capability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs self-service mechanisms where the tracking elements autonomously notify the portal when accessed, and users can independently retrieve tracking information through the portal interface. This reduces the need for complex manual tracking configurations and automated monitoring systems, simplifying overall system complexity while maintaining tracking capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The tracking element is nested within the application data file itself, as a hidden or embedded component that does not alter the file's external appearance or functionality. This nesting allows the tracking system to operate within the existing file structure without requiring separate complex tracking infrastructure.
3Measurement precision
If modified versions of application data files with tracking elements are distributed, then measurement precision of dissemination tracking is improved, but loss of information increases due to file modification
Solution Approach 1:
The tracking element is placed in a localized, hidden portion of the application data file that does not affect the visible or functional content of the file. This local modification ensures that the file's primary information remains intact and usable, while the tracking component operates independently in a designated area.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a modified copy of the application data file with the tracking element embedded, while the original file remains unchanged. This copying approach allows tracking to be implemented without permanently altering the source file, preserving the original information integrity while enabling precise tracking of the distributed copy.
Data Source
AI summary
A graphical user interface for uploading an application data file may be generated by a computing platform and communicated to a computing device. The computing platform may receive the application data file from the computing device. A graphical user interface comprising a link configured to provide the computing device with access to a modified version of the application data file that comprises an element for tracking dissemination of the application data file may be generated by the computing platform and communicated to the computing device.