Inline Encryption Detection for Early Ransomware Write Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ransomware attacks are difficult to detect, as they encrypt data, making it inaccessible, and existing anti-malware programs often fail to detect or detect too late, while backup systems are also vulnerable to encryption, leading to significant data loss.
Innovation Solution
A multi-stage data encryption detection system using an inline detector, pattern analyzer, and object analyzer to identify unauthorized data encryption by analyzing data entropy, object versions, and write I/O patterns, confirming unauthorized encryption through statistical and machine learning techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional anti-malware programs are used to detect ransomware, then malware detection is attempted, but detection occurs too late or fails entirely as data is already encrypted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by performing inline detection of data entropy during write operations to storage, before encryption is complete. The system monitors data being written in real-time and detects encryption patterns as they occur, rather than attempting to detect completed encryption. This allows the system to identify ransomware activity at an early stage when remediation is still possible, resolving the timing issue of traditional anti-malware solutions.
2Reliability
If backup storage systems are used to protect data, then data redundancy is achieved, but backup systems are also vulnerable to encryption by ransomware
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring write operations to backup storage and analyzing data entropy patterns in real-time. When encryption activity is detected, the system provides immediate feedback through alerts and can trigger remediation actions. This closed-loop monitoring ensures that backup systems, which are traditional targets for ransomware, are protected through continuous detection and response capabilities.
3Measurement precision
If data encryption detection is performed after encryption occurs, then analysis can be conducted on encrypted data, but data is already inaccessible and damage is done
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection by analyzing data entropy during the write process itself, before encryption is finalized. By monitoring the data stream as it is being written to storage and detecting characteristic encryption patterns in real-time, the system identifies ransomware activity at the earliest possible moment, enabling immediate response before data becomes permanently inaccessible.
4Adaptability or versatility
If normal computer operations are allowed to encrypt data, then legitimate encryption functions work, but unauthorized encryption by ransomware cannot be distinguished
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by analyzing specific characteristics of encryption operations rather than treating all encryption equally. The system examines local properties such as data entropy patterns, the scope of files being encrypted, the speed of encryption operations, and whether encryption is occurring on backup storage systems. By evaluating these localized qualities, the system can distinguish between legitimate encryption (which typically affects specific files with user authorization) and unauthorized ransomware encryption (which rapidly encrypts large numbers of files including backups).
Data Source
AI summary
In some examples, a system applies an inline detection of a write of data in a storage, the inline detection to detect potential data encryption of the data. In response to an indication of the potential data encryption, the system creates a first object that represents a first version of the data, and applies a further analysis to determine whether the potential data encryption constitutes unauthorized data encryption, the further analysis based on the first object and a second object that represents a second version of the data that is prior to the first version of the data.