Email Tracking Links for Detecting Unauthorized Message Opens
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies fail to effectively identify fraudulent emails that are near duplicates of legitimate correspondence, allowing cybercriminals to eavesdrop on email communications and execute scams by modifying invoices or payment details, leading to potential wire fraud.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that embeds tracking links in emails to automatically extract data from HTTP requests, analyze IP addresses and geolocation, and generate reports to alert senders and recipients about potential eavesdropping by unauthorized parties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If email tracking links are embedded to detect eavesdropping, then detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces tracking links as intermediary elements embedded in emails. These links act as mediators between the email system and the detection system, automatically capturing HTTP request data when opened. This intermediary approach enables eavesdropping detection without requiring direct monitoring of email content or recipient devices, thus improving detection capability while maintaining manageable system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-embedding tracking links in emails before they are sent. The links are configured in advance to automatically extract data from HTTP requests when opened. This preliminary setup enables automatic detection of eavesdropping attempts without requiring real-time analysis or complex processing during email transmission, simplifying the overall system architecture.
2Measurement precision
If automated tracking and analysis systems are implemented, then detection accuracy is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The tracking links are configured to automatically extract and transmit HTTP request data without requiring manual intervention. The system self-services by automatically capturing opening events, collecting data, and generating alerts. This automation improves detection accuracy while minimizing the impact on productivity, as the process occurs in the background without requiring additional manual steps in the email workflow.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial action by monitoring only specific indicators of eavesdropping (such as unexpected IP addresses, multiple opens, or patterns consistent with automated access) rather than analyzing all email content. This selective approach maintains high detection accuracy for fraudulent activities while avoiding the productivity loss that would result from comprehensive analysis of all email communications.
3Reliability
If comprehensive data collection from HTTP requests is performed, then detection reliability is improved, but loss of information increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts only the specific data elements needed for eavesdropping detection from HTTP requests, such as IP addresses, user agents, and opening timestamps. It deliberately excludes extraction of email content, attachments, or sensitive communication data. This selective extraction approach maintains detection reliability by capturing sufficient forensic information while minimizing loss of private email information.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection system segments the data collection process into distinct components: tracking link activation, HTTP request data capture, and analysis. Only the necessary segments (metadata about the opening event) are collected for detection purposes, while email content remains separate and untouched. This segmentation ensures reliable detection of eavesdropping patterns while preserving email content privacy and reducing information loss.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method and analyzer for determining if HTTP requests generated by user interaction with an email is an activity of an intended recipient. At least one link is added into an email sent by a sender, wherein the link automatically extracts data associated with the link when the email is opened at a recipient. A server receives receive HTTP requests at an internet address when a received email is opened at the recipient. Opening the email at the recipient automatically activates the link that is configured to automatically extract data associated with the link. An analyzer makes a determination, as to whether the data returned associated with the HTTP request include indicators that the HTTP request was not initiated by the intended recipient.