Dynamic Policy Enforcement for Electronic Files
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current digital rights management systems fail to provide effective protection for electronic files when they are transferred or accessed outside of a specific device or network, as they do not consider location or content parameters, and lack dynamic policy enforcement, leading to potential information leakage and lack of control over file usage.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that enables electronic files to dynamically check and enforce policies independently, allowing the file to automatically identify its contents and context, apply appropriate policies, and maintain policy enforcement even when not connected to an external server, with features like monitoring, logging, and reporting of activities, and the ability to adapt policies based on location, content, and user permissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If policies are stored on a central server or specific device, then access control is simplified, but protection is lost when files are transferred to other devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds the policy information directly within the file structure itself, creating a nested configuration where the policy container is integrated into the file. This ensures that when the file is transferred to any device, the policy travels with it, maintaining protection without requiring external server dependency. The policy is stored as part of the file's metadata or accompanying data structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a policy enforcement agent or intermediary component that mediates between the file and the user/device. This agent reads the embedded policy, evaluates user credentials, and enforces the policy decisions locally. The intermediary handles the complexity of policy evaluation while keeping the file structure relatively simple, and ensures consistent enforcement across different platforms.
2Device complexity
If fixed policy structure is used, then system complexity is reduced, but adaptability to dynamic conditions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic policy structure that can change based on conditions such as user identity, file content, location, and time. Instead of a fixed policy, the system evaluates multiple criteria and adjusts policy decisions in real-time. The policy engine can modify access rights, encryption strength, or monitoring levels based on the current context, providing adaptability while managing complexity through structured decision frameworks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes key parameters of the policy system from static to dynamic. Policy attributes such as access duration, allowed operations, and security levels are transformed from fixed values to variable parameters that can be adjusted based on user roles, file sensitivity, and environmental factors. This allows the same policy framework to adapt to different scenarios without requiring system redesign.
3Device complexity
If centralized policy enforcement is used, then policy management is simplified, but tracking and monitoring of file usage is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the policy enforcement agent continuously monitors file access, usage patterns, and policy compliance. The system collects feedback data about user behavior, file location, and access attempts, then uses this information to generate reports and adjust policies. This feedback loop enables comprehensive tracking of file usage while maintaining simplified management through automated analysis and reporting.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring monitoring agents and policy templates before file transfer occurs. The system prepares tracking mechanisms and policy evaluation frameworks in advance, so that when files are accessed, the monitoring and tracking functions are already in place and can immediately begin collecting data. This preliminary setup reduces the complexity of ongoing management while enhancing tracking capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method dynamically enforcing security policies on electronic files when the file is used. The system and method preferably delegates the file the ability to protect itself. The file automatically identifies its confidential information and applies them when needed.