Database Rate Limiter for Unauthorized Access Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic databases face challenges in managing extreme variations in data access, which can indicate programming bugs or data breaches, necessitating a system to limit data transfer rates and prevent unauthorized access.
Innovation Solution
A data transfer rate limiter system that monitors and analyzes data transfer rates in conjunction with query-associated parameters and predefined thresholds to enforce rate limiting rules, applying control actions such as logging, alerting, or restricting access to prevent excessive data retrieval.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If data transfer rate is not limited, then data access speed and productivity are improved, but unauthorized access and data breaches increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a rate limiter as an intermediary component between the database and the client. This rate limiter monitors and controls data transfer rates, acting as a mediator that allows legitimate access while blocking excessive or unauthorized access patterns, thus resolving the contradiction between fast data access and prevention of unauthorized access
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors data transfer rates and compares them against predefined thresholds. When the transfer rate exceeds the threshold, the system provides feedback by triggering control actions such as blocking the connection or alerting administrators. This feedback mechanism enables dynamic control of data access, allowing high-speed access within safe parameters while preventing unauthorized access that exceeds established limits
2Reliability
If rate limiting rules are applied, then unauthorized access is prevented, but data access efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different rate limiting parameters and thresholds based on various factors such as user role, time of day, data sensitivity, and access pattern. By dynamically adjusting these parameters, the system maintains high data access efficiency for legitimate users while preventing unauthorized access. For example, analysts may have higher transfer rate thresholds during business hours than during off-hours, allowing efficient access when appropriate while blocking suspicious activity
3Reliability
If data transfer rate is monitored and controlled, then database integrity is protected, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rate limiter is designed as a multi-functional component that performs multiple tasks: monitoring data transfer rates, detecting anomalies, enforcing security policies, and providing audit trails. By consolidating these functions into a single system component, the patent protects database integrity without proportionally increasing overall system complexity. The rate limiter handles diverse scenarios including normal access patterns, suspicious activity, and emergency situations through a unified approach
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method rate limits database access to, for example, prevent or reduce damage from unauthorized or errant access of a database by enforcing a network-level limit to the amount of data that may be accessed from the database. In at least one embodiment, a data transfer rate limiter monitors data transfer and determines whether the data transfer exceeds one or more predetermined thresholds. Based on the determination, the data transfer rate limiter generates a control signal that controls one or more processes that appropriately address any the data rate transfer of concern.