Hidden Service Information Collection via Address Posting

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Solution Overview

Problem

In anonymous network systems, particularly with hidden services, it is challenging to collect information about users due to the anonymization techniques employed, such as those used in the Tor network, which obscure IP addresses and payloads, making it difficult to identify and monitor illegal activities.

Innovation Solution

An information collection system is implemented within the anonymous network that includes a hidden service providing system, an information collection unit, and an address posting unit. This system posts address information of a second hidden service to a posting target server, allowing the collection of information about the provided service, thereby enabling the identification of users utilizing hidden services.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If anonymization techniques (Tor network, IP hiding) are used to protect user privacy, then user privacy is improved, but the ability to collect user information deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser informationVSAvoidillegal activities

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary system (the information collection system itself) that acts as a mediator between anonymous users and the information collection goal. By posting address information of a second hidden service to a posting target server, the system creates an intermediary channel that allows information collection without directly exposing user identities, thus maintaining anonymity while enabling monitoring of illegal activities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of directly collecting user information from anonymous users (which would break anonymity), the patent inverts the approach: it publishes address information of a service and collects information from users who voluntarily connect to it. This inversion allows information collection while preserving user anonymity, as users initiate the connection rather than being tracked

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Adaptability or versatility

If hidden services are provided in anonymous networks, then service accessibility is improved, but user identifiability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice accessibilityVSAvoiduser identification

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a self-service mechanism where users who want to access hidden services must voluntarily connect to the posted address information. This self-service approach allows the system to collect information about users who actively seek services, while maintaining anonymity for those who don't engage. The system serves itself by publishing address information that attracts users who then provide information voluntarily

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If address information is posted regularly to prevent unauthorized access, then security is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess securityVSAvoidaddress management

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs periodic action by regularly updating and re-posting address information of hidden services. This periodic update mechanism ensures that unauthorized access is prevented while maintaining service availability. The system periodically changes address information and reposts it, creating a rhythm that balances security with operational simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS11558430B2Information collection system, information collection method, and non-transitory computer readable medium storing control program

Publication Date: 2023.01.17 NEC CORP

AI summary

In an information collection system, an address posting unit posts address information of a hidden service provided by a hidden service providing system to a server serving as a posting target server. Then, the hidden service providing system provides a hidden service appropriate to a hidden service request received from a user terminal to the user terminal. After that, an information collection unit collects information (e.g., input request information, service result information, etc.) about the hidden service provided by the hidden service providing system.