Data Fingerprinting for Precise Source Attribution in Shared Confidential Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods fail to accurately identify the source of unauthorized data breaches, particularly when confidential data is shared with multiple parties, as existing systems rely on trust relationships and forensic reviews that are ineffective against unknown vulnerabilities.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that embeds a unique identification data, or fingerprint, into confidential data before transmission, allowing for rapid identification of the data recipient, even after unauthorized disclosure, using techniques such as high-frequency fingerprint signals, convolutional operators, and encryption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If confidential data is shared with multiple parties to provide greater services, then service capability is improved, but the ability to identify the source of data breaches deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the confidential data by embedding unique identification markers (fingerprints) into different portions or copies of the data before distributing to multiple parties. Each recipient receives data with their unique identifier, enabling precise tracking of data origin even when the same confidential information is shared across multiple service providers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary identification mechanism (unique fingerprint/watermark) that acts as a mediator between the data owner and multiple recipients. This intermediary element enables the data owner to trace data flow and identify breach sources without directly monitoring each recipient's actions.
2Ease of operation
If trust relationships are relied upon to protect shared data, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability of data security deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by embedding unique identification markers into the data before distribution to multiple parties. This preventive measure ensures that if a breach occurs, the source can be immediately identified without relying on post-breach investigations or trust in recipient behavior.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a feedback mechanism where unique identifiers embedded in distributed data enable the data owner to receive information about data flow and breach sources. This feedback loop allows continuous monitoring and identification of security incidents without complicating the initial data sharing process.
3Measurement precision
If forensic reviews are conducted to identify breach sources, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-embedding unique identification markers (such as high-frequency signals, convolutional operators, or watermarks) into the confidential data before distribution. When a breach occurs, the source can be identified by extracting and matching these pre-planted identifiers, eliminating the need for time-consuming forensic analysis of system records or recipient behavior.
4Reliability
If PII/PHI is stripped from shared datasets to protect privacy, then data security is improved, but loss of information increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by implementing a multi-functional identification system that serves multiple purposes: (1) enables source tracking for security, (2) maintains data utility for service provision, and (3) protects privacy through consistent anonymization. The unique fingerprints are embedded in a manner that does not interfere with the stripped data's usefulness while enabling comprehensive breach tracking.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for providing a unique signature for proprietary data. The proprietary data may be transmitted to multiple trusted parties. Each of the trusted parties will have proprietary data with a unique signature to that trusted party. The signature allows a user to determine the source of the proprietary data breach via the signature.