Validating Download Success via Modified Data Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for secure distribution of large digital files across the web lack effective measures to ensure unauthorized access is fully mitigated post-download, as initial authorization procedures may not suffice to prevent access to potentially compromised data portions.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the transmission of modified digital items where some data portions are replaced with invalid data, followed by confirmation of receipt and subsequent replacement with valid data, ensuring the client device receives all valid data portions and is notified of any invalid data, thereby validating a successful and secure download.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If initial authorization procedures are used to limit unauthorized access to downloading data files, then access control is improved, but security against compromised data portions during transmission is not sufficiently addressed
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by replacing certain data portions with invalid data before transmission begins. This proactive measure ensures that even if transmission is compromised, the attacker cannot access valid data portions that were replaced with invalid placeholders, thereby addressing security concerns before they can manifest during the download process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of data transmission compromise into a benefit by using invalid data as a protective mechanism. When data portions are replaced with invalid data, any interception or compromise during transmission results in the attacker receiving only invalid data, thus transforming a security vulnerability into a security feature
2Loss of information
If all data portions are transmitted validly without replacement, then data completeness is maintained, but security verification during transmission cannot be performed
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the receiving device sends confirmations to the transmitting device about which data portions were successfully received and which contained invalid data. This feedback loop enables the transmitting device to verify security conditions and retransmit valid data portions, thereby achieving both data completeness and security verification
Solution Approach 2:
By pre-replacing certain data portions with invalid data before transmission, the system creates a built-in verification mechanism. The presence or absence of invalid data portions in received transmissions provides immediate feedback about transmission integrity and security, enabling verification without requiring separate validation protocols
3Reliability
If N existing data portions are replaced with N invalid data portions, then security is enhanced, but transmission complexity and verification overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the data transmission process into distinct segments: initial transmission with some invalid data portions, confirmation phase where the receiver reports received data status, and selective retransmission of only the valid data portions that need correction. This segmentation reduces overall complexity compared to retransmitting entire files or implementing complex continuous verification protocols
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods, systems, and apparatuses, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for validating download success are disclosed. A method can include receiving a request to transmit a digital item to a computing device, transmitting a modified digital item to the computing device, and receiving confirmation that the computing device has received the modified digital item in its entirety. The method can also include for each, of N invalid data portions included in the modified digital item, transmitting to the computing device a location of the invalid data portion in the modified digital item, and the existing data portion previously replaced by the invalid data portion; and receiving confirmation that the computing device has received the existing data portion. In response to receiving confirmations, an indication that the computing device has received all N existing data, portions replaced by the N invalid data portions can be transmitted.