Private Folder Duplication for Data Hiding
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for protecting private data on portable devices, such as smartphones and tablets, reveal the presence of sensitive information to others, leading to potential unauthorized access and unnecessary suspicion, as they require specific software tools to lock files with passwords.
Innovation Solution
A data protection method that creates a private folder with the same name as a public folder, allowing users to set a log-in password for private files stored in public folders, and compares input passwords to determine whether to display the private or public folder, effectively hiding private data without others' knowledge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional password protection software is used to lock private files, then data security is improved, but the existence of private data is revealed to others
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a public folder that is a copy or replica of the private folder structure, allowing the private folder to remain hidden while maintaining a deceptive public interface. The system copies the folder hierarchy and file listings to mask the actual private data location
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a folder management system as an intermediary layer between the user and the file system. This mediator dynamically controls folder visibility based on authentication, presenting different folder structures to different users without revealing the actual private data location
2Reliability
If private files are individually locked with passwords, then access control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple individual file locking operations into a single folder-level authentication mechanism. Instead of locking each private file separately, the system creates one private folder with unified access control, significantly reducing system complexity while maintaining security
Solution Approach 2:
The private folder mechanism serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides password protection, hides data existence, organizes multiple private files, and integrates with the existing public folder structure. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate protection mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
A data protection method for an electronic device is disclosed. The data protection method includes setting a log-in password for a private file stored in a public folder, creating a private folder having a same folder name as the public folder to store the private file in the private folder, and comparing an input password with the log-in password for the private folder to determine to display the private folder or the public folder.