Mobile Device Sensor-Based Data Deletion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile devices often fail to securely delete data when lost or stolen, especially if not connected to a network or if the user cannot act in time, leading to potential data compromise.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system that uses sensor data from multiple sensors to detect the mobile device's status, such as being lost, stolen, or forcibly taken, and performs customized data deletion actions based on configured policies, including soft or full deletion, to prevent unauthorized access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If remote deletion is used when the device is lost or stolen, then data security is improved, but the deletion may fail if the device is not connected to a network or if storage is removed before user action
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically detecting device loss or theft through sensor data analysis and executing data deletion before the user can manually intervene. This preemptive approach ensures data security even when remote deletion fails due to network disconnection or storage removal, as the deletion has already been initiated by the automated system based on detected anomalies such as unexpected location changes or sensor pattern mismatches
2Reliability
If data is deleted remotely, then data security is improved, but data recovery becomes difficult if the user finds the device after deletion
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the deletion action based on the detected scenario. For accidental loss where recovery might be needed, the system performs soft deletion or temporary deletion that allows for potential recovery. For confirmed theft scenarios, full deletion is executed. This dynamic response enables the system to balance data security with recoverability based on the specific context detected through sensor analysis and user behavior patterns
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the deletion parameter (from soft deletion to full deletion) based on the detected scenario. In situations where the device is likely accidentally lost, softer deletion parameters are used that preserve recovery options. When theft is detected through analysis of sensor data patterns, location changes, and user behavior, the system switches to full deletion parameters to ensure security while minimizing false positives that would unnecessarily reduce recoverability
3Reliability
If automatic deletion is implemented, then data security is improved, but false deletion may occur leading to unnecessary data loss
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors sensor data and user behavior patterns, providing feedback loops that allow for verification before executing deletion. Multiple sensor inputs (accelerometer, GPS, microphone) are analyzed together to confirm the loss or theft scenario. The system also allows for user confirmation or correction of detected scenarios, enabling feedback that prevents false deletion by verifying the authenticity of the detected event before committing to data deletion
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection and analysis of sensor data before executing deletion, creating a buffer period for verification. Multiple sensor readings are collected and analyzed to establish a pattern that confirms loss or theft. This preliminary action phase includes cross-referencing data from different sensors and allowing for user intervention before the actual deletion occurs, thereby preventing false deletion while maintaining security for genuine threats
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile device may generate a plurality of signals based on sensor data received from a plurality of sensors associated with the mobile device. Based on a logic combination of the plurality of signals, the mobile device may detect its status indicating one of different scenarios. Based on the detected mobile device status and a configured policy, the mobile device may determine a type of deletion action for deleting data on the mobile device. The mobile device may perform the determined type of deletion action.