Detecting Former Security Compromises via Indicator Files
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional techniques fail to detect whether a computer system's security status was formerly compromised, as reversing modifications can restore the appearance of an un-compromised state, leading to undetected unauthorized changes and increased vulnerability to malicious attacks.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that perform a security check process on a computer system, determining the presence of indicator applications or directories to differentiate between current and former compromises, triggering specific security actions based on the detected status.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional security check techniques are used to detect current compromise status, then the detection process is simple and quick, but the system cannot detect whether the security status was formerly compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates indicator files or directories during the compromise state before restoration occurs. These indicators serve as historical evidence that the system was previously compromised, even after the compromise is reversed and the system returns to its normal state. This preliminary action during the compromise phase enables later detection of former compromise status.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces indicator files or directories as intermediary elements that mediate between the compromise event and the detection process. These indicators act as persistent markers that bridge the temporal gap between when the compromise occurred and when it is detected, allowing the system to identify former compromise status through the presence of these intermediary indicators.
2Adaptability or versatility
If modifications are made to the computer system during a compromised state, then the system functionality can be changed, but the system becomes vulnerable to malicious attacks and unintended consequences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by detecting the compromise state before allowing modifications to occur, and by identifying former compromise status after restoration. The security application prevents or limits modifications during compromised states and can take corrective actions after detection of former compromise, thereby counteracting potential security violations before they cause harm.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the security application continuously monitors the system state, detects compromise conditions, and responds by limiting modifications or alerting users. The feedback loop includes detecting current compromise status, preventing harmful modifications, and identifying former compromise states to maintain ongoing security awareness and system integrity.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method for detecting a security status of a computer system may include: in response to satisfaction of a predetermined trigger condition associated with an electronic application installed on a memory of the computer system, performing a security check process on the computer system; in response to the security check process determining that a security status of the computer system is currently compromised, performing a first security action; and in response to the security check process determining that the security status is formerly compromised, performing a second security action.