Automated Hand-Drawn Diagram Import for Threat Modeling
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional threat modeling methodologies are inadequate for assessing organizational risk, as they focus on individual applications, require security experts, are resource-intensive, and cannot scale to meet the needs of enterprises with multiple software applications, nor do they effectively model application interactions, third-party elements, or communicate risks to non-experts.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for automatically importing hand-drawn diagrams into a threat modeling process, using servers and data stores to classify and verify components, generate a threat model, and display it on user interfaces, enabling the creation of a comprehensive threat model without requiring extensive security expertise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional threat modeling methodologies are used to analyze individual applications, then security experts can identify vulnerabilities, but the process becomes resource-intensive and cannot scale to enterprises with multiple software applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses template-based threat modeling where pre-defined threat models serve as reusable copies that can be automatically instantiated and applied across multiple applications. This allows the same vulnerability patterns to be efficiently replicated and analyzed across enterprise-scale systems without requiring manual analysis of each application individually.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the threat modeling process into modular components including asset identification, threat identification, vulnerability assessment, and risk calculation. This segmentation enables parallel processing and automated analysis of multiple applications simultaneously, improving scalability while maintaining analysis depth.
2Measurement precision
If traditional threat modeling requires security subject-matter experts for creation, use, and maintenance, then accurate threat analysis can be performed, but the process becomes complex and difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automated asset discovery and classification systems that can independently identify and categorize computing environment assets without requiring security expert intervention. The system automatically discovers assets, classifies them by type and sensitivity, and updates the threat model accordingly, reducing maintenance complexity while preserving analysis accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal threat modeling platform that can analyze diverse application types and architectures using standardized methodologies. The system handles multiple asset types, threat categories, and risk assessment frameworks through a unified interface, simplifying maintenance while maintaining comprehensive analysis capabilities.
3Measurement precision
If traditional threat modeling focuses on individual applications in isolation, then detailed application-level vulnerabilities can be identified, but application-application interactions and organizational risk are miscalculated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested threat modeling structure where application-level threat models are embedded within enterprise-level threat models. This allows detailed application vulnerabilities to be analyzed with full contextual awareness of how applications interact and contribute to overall organizational risk. The nested structure preserves both granular and aggregate risk information simultaneously.
4Measurement precision
If traditional threat modeling methodologies are used, then security vulnerabilities can be identified, but risks cannot be effectively communicated to non-security experts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms complex security metrics into simplified risk scores and visual representations that are accessible to non-security stakeholders. The system calculates quantitative risk metrics, assigns priority ratings, and generates visual threat models that convey security posture without requiring specialized knowledge, thereby improving communication accessibility while maintaining analytical rigor.
Data Source
AI summary
Automated diagram import methods include providing one or more servers and one or more data stores communicatively coupled with the server(s). The data store(s) may include a plurality of computing environment assets and a plurality of connections between the assets. The method may include receiving a digital image of the hand drawn diagram and identifying a plurality of shapes and one or more links in the received digital image. The method further includes, for each component, identifying a text label for the component and classifying the component as an asset. The method further includes, for each link, determining a text label for the link and identifying two components connected by the link. The method may also include generating a diagram and displaying the diagram on a user interface. Automated hand drawn diagram import systems include systems configured to carry out automated importing of the hand drawn diagram.