Enterprise Network Data Leak Prevention via Digital Watermarking
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing digitization of information and ease of digital content distribution over networks, such as the Internet, pose challenges in preventing accidental or intentional dissemination of confidential documents to unauthorized recipients, as perfect copies can be easily made and sent, leading to information leakage.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for Data Leak Prevention (DLP) using digital watermarks, where a network security device embeds and detects watermarks in files passing through the enterprise network, allowing only authorized transmission by matching embedded watermark information with predefined filtering rules to take appropriate actions like blocking or logging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If digital information is distributed via networks to enable fast communication, then communication speed is improved, but information security deteriorates as confidential documents can be easily copied and transmitted to unauthorized recipients
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by embedding digital watermarks in confidential documents before they are transmitted through the network. This pre-embedding of identification information allows the system to track and control document distribution in advance, rather than attempting to prevent copying after the fact. The watermark is inserted into the document structure during creation or preparation for transmission, enabling subsequent detection and authorization verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses digital watermarks as an intermediary element that mediates between the need for fast network communication and information security. The watermark acts as a hidden identifier embedded in the document that enables tracking and authorization verification without interfering with the document's usability or transmission speed. This intermediary mechanism allows the system to monitor and control document flow through network services without blocking legitimate communication.
2Reliability
If digital watermarks are embedded in confidential documents to prevent unauthorized distribution, then information security is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for watermark embedding, detection, and filtering rule management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a network security device that performs multiple functions: embedding watermarks, detecting watermarks, filtering network traffic, and enforcing access control policies. Instead of separate systems for each function, the invention integrates these capabilities into a unified platform that manages confidential document distribution across various network services (email, file sharing, instant messaging). This multi-functional approach reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate specialized systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service through automated watermark detection and verification processes. The network security device automatically detects watermarks in transmitted documents, verifies authorization against filtering rules, and enforces access control without requiring manual intervention. The system self-manages the complex tasks of watermark embedding, detection, and policy enforcement, reducing the operational burden despite the increased technical complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for Data Leak Prevention (DLP) in an enterprise network are provided. According to one embodiment, a network security device maintains a filter database containing multiple filtering rules. Each filtering rule specifies a watermark value, a set of network services for which the filtering rule is active and an action to be taken. Network traffic directed to a destination residing outside of an enterprise network, associated with a particular network service and containing a file is received. A watermark value embedded within the file is identified. When there exists a filtering rule specifying a matching watermark value and for which the filtering rule is active for the particular network service, the action specified by the filtering rule is performed.