Dynamic Resharing Policy for Secure File Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Managing file resharing in online systems is complicated due to the difficulty in balancing user-friendly and secure policies, especially when authorized users need to reshare files within organizations, as existing solutions lack adequate measures to ensure that shared files are not redistributed to unauthorized users.
Innovation Solution
An online file sharing system that allows users to reshare files only to the extent permitted by a resharing policy, which can be based on attributes such as the initiator, receiver, author, or shared file, with centralized management and control by administrators to ensure secure and user-friendly distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If authorized users are permitted to reshare files freely, then ease of operation is improved, but security deteriorates as files may be redistributed to unauthorized users
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic resharing policies that adapt based on file attributes, user roles, and organizational hierarchy. Administrators can configure different resharing permissions for different file types, users, and contexts, allowing the system to flexibly balance accessibility and security requirements rather than using static universal permissions
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary policy enforcement mechanism that mediates between users wanting to reshare files and security requirements. The server evaluates resharing requests against configured policies involving file attributes, user characteristics, and organizational structure before permitting or blocking reshare actions
2Reliability
If strict resharing policies are enforced to ensure security, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to limitations on file distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments resharing permissions into granular categories based on file attributes (type, sensitivity), user attributes (role, department, clearance level), and organizational hierarchy. This segmentation allows precise control where different permission levels are assigned to different segments of users and files, avoiding overly restrictive blanket policies
Solution Approach 2:
The policy enforcement mechanism serves multiple functions simultaneously: it enforces security constraints, enables legitimate resharing operations, provides audit capabilities, and adapts to different organizational structures. This multi-functionality allows a single system to handle diverse security requirements without requiring separate mechanisms for each scenario
3Productivity
If multiple copies of files are maintained for sharing, then productivity is improved through concurrent access, but device complexity increases due to copy management overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates controlled copies of files for sharing purposes while maintaining centralized policy enforcement. Instead of managing complex distributed file systems, the server generates appropriate copies with embedded access controls and permissions, allowing concurrent access without requiring sophisticated replication management infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms that track file access, resharing actions, and policy violations. This feedback enables administrators to monitor and adjust policies based on actual usage patterns, optimizing the balance between maintaining file copies for productivity and managing the complexity of copy distribution
Data Source
AI summary
Managing file distribution in an online file sharing system implemented by at least one server includes inviting a first entity to access a shared file hosted by the online file sharing system, and allowing the first entity to reshare the shared the through the online file sharing system with at least a second entity only to an extent permitted by a resharing policy stored by the online file sharing system.