Office Module Embedding Encrypted Documents in Mule Files
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for securing intellectual property, such as password-protected files, are vulnerable to unauthorized access as passwords can be easily shared, leading to the loss of proprietary information.
Innovation Solution
A module integrated into the Microsoft Office suite intercepts application events to encrypt and embed sensitive documents within innocuous 'mule' files, using XML comment fields to hide the encrypted data, which is only decryptable on authorized devices and accounts without user intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If password protection is used to secure documents, then access control is improved, but the risk of unauthorized access increases because passwords can be freely shared and distributed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds the encrypted document within the structure of a legitimate Office document (the 'mule' file). The encrypted content is nested inside the XML structure of the container document, specifically within comment fields or unrecognized elements, creating a nested structure where the secure document is hidden within an innocuous-looking file.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary component - the Office module - that acts as a mediator between the document creator and the document viewer. This module automatically handles the encryption, embedding, and extraction processes, eliminating the need for users to manually manage passwords or encryption keys.
2Reliability
If manual password protection is implemented, then document security is improved, but user convenience deteriorates due to the need for password distribution and manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The Office module provides self-service functionality by automatically detecting when a document needs to be secured, automatically encrypting it, and automatically embedding it within the mule file structure. The system handles all security operations without requiring user intervention, making security as convenient as creating a normal document.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring the Office module with encryption algorithms and embedding structures before document creation. The system prepares the security infrastructure in advance, so that when a document is created or modified, the security measures are automatically applied without requiring users to perform any setup or configuration tasks.
3Reliability
If encrypted documents are embedded in mule files, then security against unauthorized access is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for automatic detection and decryption mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The Office module is designed with multi-functionality, handling multiple operations (document creation, opening, saving, closing) through a single integrated framework. The same module that creates normal documents also automatically secures them, and the same module that extracts documents also decrypts them, reducing overall system complexity despite the added security features.
Data Source
AI summary
The example non-limiting technology herein uses a Microsoft Office module or other application that automatically encrypts an Office document (Excel, PowerPoint, Word) or other software object and embeds the encrypted data within a “mule” or carrier file of the same type. On user's systems without the module installed, the “mule” file will open normally without exposing the embedded secret file. On systems with the module installed and properly authorized, the user will see the encrypted file open without seeing the “mule” file. This allows the secure transport of a file within a plaintext “mule” file.