ETL Script Encryption via Hidden Ownership Attributes
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Solution Overview
Problem
ETL scripts used in database processes are vulnerable to unauthorized access and copying due to their text-based nature, posing a security risk and potential loss of economic value.
Innovation Solution
Implementing encryption for ETL scripts with a hidden attribute indicating ownership, using a developer's license signature, to protect the scripts from unauthorized access and copying, while allowing decryption and execution by authorized parties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If ETL scripts are stored in text format for ease of editing and execution, then the scripts are easy to copy and distribute, but this makes them vulnerable to unauthorized access and copying
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the copying principle by creating an encrypted copy of the ETL script that can be distributed safely. The original script is transformed into an encrypted format that appears as random data to unauthorized users, yet can be decrypted and executed by authorized systems with the proper key. This resolves the contradiction by allowing distribution (copying) while preventing unauthorized access.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of the script from plain text to encrypted format. By applying encryption algorithms, the script's content is transformed into an unreadable format for unauthorized users while maintaining its functional integrity. The encryption key acts as a parameter that controls access, allowing the same script to be both protected and executable by authorized parties.
2Adaptability or versatility
If ETL scripts are made visible and accessible to users for customization, then user flexibility increases, but economic value is lost through unauthorized copying
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating access rights for different user groups. Authorized users with proper credentials can access, decrypt, and execute the encrypted scripts, while unauthorized users see only encrypted data. This creates localized access control where the same script has different accessibility properties for different users, maintaining economic value while allowing legitimate flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The encryption key acts as an intermediary between the script and users. It mediates access control by being required for decryption and execution. This intermediary mechanism allows the system to maintain security (protecting economic value) while still enabling authorized users to access and customize scripts according to their needs.
3Reliability
If ETL scripts are encrypted to prevent unauthorized access, then security is improved, but the scripts cannot be executed without decryption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing decryption before execution. The system automatically decrypts the encrypted script in memory before it can be executed, ensuring that the script is protected during storage and transmission but remains executable when needed. This preliminary decryption step resolves the contradiction by maintaining security while enabling execution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of plain text storage with an encryption-based system. Instead of relying on physical or procedural controls to protect scripts, the system uses cryptographic mechanisms to provide security. This substitution allows the script to be both secure and executable by replacing simple storage with a more complex but secure encryption/decryption mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments encrypt Extract, Transform, Load (ETL) scripts created by a developer for an initial customer, against unauthorized access and copying. Such protection preserves the economic value of the ETL script for the developer, allowing re-use with other customers (who could otherwise simply copy the ETL script from the initial customer). A new hidden attribute is introduced to indicate ownership and protection of an object used in an ETL utility. A customer will not see this hidden attribute via the ETL utility. The hidden attribute may be assigned programmatically during a protecting process, and its value may be a current keycode (e.g., the signature of the developer's license of the ETL utility). The protected object thus has the attribute signature, and its value does not match any current keycode known to the customer. The signature for internal decryption of the script by the ETL utility, could be supplied by the developer.