Machine Learning Model Protection via Software Implementation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Machine learning models are highly susceptible to algorithmic attacks, including static and dynamic attacks, which can lead to vulnerabilities such as malware embedding and reverse engineering, especially in safety-critical applications like medical diagnostics and autonomous vehicles.

Innovation Solution

A method is developed to generate software that implements machine learning models by applying software protection techniques, such as fixed-point operations and security features, to enhance the protection of the models against attacks, ensuring their functionality and secrecy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If machine learning models are stored as parameter files for easy loading and execution, then ease of operation is improved, but vulnerability to algorithmic attacks and reverse engineering increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of model loadingVSAvoidvulnerability to attacks
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a software implementation that copies the functionality of the ML model while protecting the actual parameters. The protected software reproduces the model's behavior without exposing the original parameter file, thereby maintaining operational ease while reducing vulnerability to attacks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces protected software as an intermediary layer between the parameter file and the execution environment. This intermediary protects the parameters by embedding them within secured software code, preventing direct access and analysis while maintaining the model's functional capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If machine learning models are protected through software implementation, then security against attacks is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity protectionVSAvoidsoftware protection complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the model parameters into protected software implementations with modified structural parameters. By changing the representation format from standalone parameter files to embedded software code, the system achieves enhanced security while managing complexity through systematic transformation processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the protection mechanism into distinct segments: parameter extraction, software generation, and protection application. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive security protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Object-affected harmful factors

If software protection techniques are applied to machine learning models, then resistance to reverse engineering is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresistance to reverse engineeringVSAvoidsoftware generation accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary actions by extracting parameters and generating protected software before deployment. This advance preparation ensures that the protection mechanism is built-in from the start, maintaining precision requirements while achieving robust resistance to reverse engineering attacks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical parameter storage with software-based protection mechanisms. By substituting the physical parameter file structure with compiled software code, the system achieves higher resistance to analysis while managing precision through software-based transformation rather than physical manipulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS20240095593A1Machine learning model protection
Publication Date: 2024.03.21 IRDETO BV
  • US20240095593A1 patent drawing
  • US20240095593A1 patent drawing
  • US20240095593A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A machine learning model protection method comprising: generating, based on a set of parameters that define a machine learning model, an item of software which, when executed by one or more processors, provides an implementation for the machine learning model; and applying one or more software protection techniques to the item of software.