Dynamic Data Masking for Web Documents via Rendering Specification Updates

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing techniques fail to effectively mask sensitive data in web documents when there are changes in the sensitive data or the structure of the web document, leading to potential data theft or unauthorized disclosure.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for data masking in web documents, which involves receiving a rendering specification for sensitive labels, analyzing the web document to determine candidates for sensitive labels or data, updating the rendering specification, and enabling masking using a data masking enabling module that includes processors and memory with modules for context query generation, proximity detection, and rendering specification update.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing masking techniques are used on web documents, then sensitive data can be masked in static documents, but the masking fails when there is a change in sensitive data or web document structure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemasking reliabilityVSAvoidadaptability to data/structure changes
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adapts the masking process by detecting changes in web document structure and sensitive data through status determination. When changes are detected, the system updates the rendering specification accordingly, transitioning from static to dynamic masking that maintains reliability across varying document states

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms by determining the status of the rendering specification after processing web documents. This feedback loop enables the system to identify when masking has failed due to structural changes or data modifications, and subsequently update the rendering specification to restore proper masking functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Manufacturing precision

If manual updates to rendering specification are required for every change, then masking accuracy can be maintained, but the complexity and time consumption increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemasking precisionVSAvoidtime for manual updates
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-service by automatically detecting changes in web document structure and sensitive data, and autonomously updating the rendering specification without requiring manual intervention. This maintains masking precision while eliminating the time loss associated with manual updates

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary actions by proactively monitoring and detecting changes in web documents before they compromise masking effectiveness. By identifying structural changes and data modifications in advance, the system can update the rendering specification preemptively, maintaining precision without reactive delays

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If the rendering specification is updated frequently to accommodate changes, then masking effectiveness is maintained, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemasking effectivenessVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies local quality by updating only the specific portions of the rendering specification that are affected by changes in web documents, rather than performing comprehensive updates. This targeted approach maintains masking effectiveness while reducing system complexity by limiting the scope of modifications

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3173965B1System and method for enablement of data masking for web documents
Publication Date: 2019.02.20 TATA CONSULTANCY SERVICES LTD
  • EP3173965B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3173965B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3173965B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

System and method for enablement of data masking for web documents are disclosed. In an example, a rendering specification associated with reference web documents and previewed reference web documents are received. Further, a first web document processed based on the rendering specification is received. Furthermore, a status of the rendering specification is determined upon processing the first web document. In addition, the first web document and the previewed reference web documents are analyzed to determine a set of candidates for a sensitive label and/or data associated with a sensitive label in the first web document when the status of the rendering specification is a sensitive label not found and/or data associated with a sensitive label not found. The rendering specification is then updated upon determination. Masking of the data associated with sensitive labels in the first web document is then enabled using the updated rendering specification.