Information-Invariant Data Transformation for Secure File Transfer
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current file transfer systems from un-trusted to trusted computing systems rely on antivirus software, which requires continuous updates and cannot prevent zero-day attacks, as malware definitions may not include signatures for previously unknown malware.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of Information-invariant Data Transformation (IIDT) processes that alter data representation without changing the information's meaning, such as through compression, redaction of metadata, and random steganography, to eliminate embedded malware during file transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If antivirus software with malware definitions is used to transfer files from un-trusted to trusted systems, then malware detection capability is improved, but the system cannot prevent zero-day attacks and requires continuous updates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies information-invariant data transformation (IIDT) operations to files before they enter the trusted system. By performing compression, format conversion, or other transformations on the un-trusted input files prior to transfer, the malware embedded in those files is altered or destroyed while the legitimate information remains intact. This preliminary action neutralizes threats including zero-day malware without requiring detection signatures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potentially harmful un-trusted input files into beneficial transformed files by applying IIDT operations. The transformation process destroys malicious content while preserving or enhancing the legitimate information, effectively turning a security risk into a safe, usable file for the trusted system.
2Reliability
If antivirus software is used for file transfer security, then malware protection is improved, but continuous updates of malware definitions are required
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs security transformation on files before they enter the trusted environment. By applying IIDT operations in advance during the transfer process, malware is neutralized proactively rather than requiring reactive detection and updates. This eliminates the need for continuous malware definition updates and reduces maintenance time.
3Reliability
If data transformation is applied to files during transfer, then malware elimination is improved, but data representation changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies information-invariant data transformation operations that selectively alter specific aspects of the file (such as compression ratios, format parameters, or metadata) while preserving the essential information content. The transformation is designed to be localized to non-critical file attributes, ensuring malware elimination without perceptible loss of the actual data or information meaning.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes physical or structural parameters of the file (such as compression level, file format, or encoding) while maintaining the information-invariant property. These parameter changes alter the file's binary representation and destroy embedded malware, but the human-perceptible information content remains unchanged, satisfying both security and information integrity requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods using Information-invariant Data Transformation (IIDT) in the transfer of files from an un-trusted to a trusted computer system are disclosed. The IIDT alters the data representation of information, without altering the meaning of the information to a degree that is perceptible to a human consumer of that information. The data transformation operations eliminate embedded malware thereby providing secure transfer of files between the un-trusted and trusted computer systems.