Read-Only Indicator for I/O Port Data Restriction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing computing platforms lack effective mechanisms to prevent unauthorized output of sensitive data, particularly when operated by employees or contractors who may not own the data, as they often have access to I/O ports that can be used to transfer data to external storage devices.
Innovation Solution
A computing platform is configured to selectively restrict data output by implementing a read-only mode through a system administrator-controlled setting, using a read-only indicator that isolates I/O ports, ensuring that only authorized access is allowed, thereby preventing unauthorized data disclosure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If standard I/O ports are made accessible for data output, then ease of operation is improved, but data security deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic read-only indicator that can be set or cleared by authorized personnel to switch the computing platform between read-only and read-write modes. This dynamic control mechanism allows the system to adapt its data output capabilities based on security requirements, enabling standard I/O ports to be restricted when handling sensitive data while maintaining full functionality during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the read-only restriction selectively to specific I/O ports rather than uniformly across all ports. The read-only indicator can be configured to affect particular output ports while leaving others operational, allowing differentiated access control where sensitive data processing ports are restricted while maintaining functionality for non-sensitive operations.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If read-only mode is implemented to prevent data leakage, then data security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions between read-only and read-write modes dynamically based on the state of the read-only indicator. When the indicator is set, the system operates in read-only mode preventing data leakage; when cleared, full operational capability is restored. This dynamic switching allows the system to maintain ease of operation during normal use while providing strong security protection when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The read-only mode extracts and isolates the data output function from the normal operational flow by preventing write requests to I/O ports. This separation allows the system to maintain full operational capabilities for data processing and manipulation while removing only the specific harmful capability of unauthorized data output, thus minimizing the impact on ease of operation.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If custom hardware is used to restrict data output, then data security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces potential hardware-based restriction mechanisms with a software-based solution implemented through the operating system kernel. The read-only indicator and associated access control logic are implemented in software, eliminating the need for custom hardware modifications while achieving the same security effect of preventing unauthorized data output through standard PC components.
Solution Approach 2:
The read-only indicator mechanism serves multiple functions: it prevents unauthorized data output, maintains system security, and allows flexible configuration for different security requirements. This universal software-based approach can be applied to any standard computing platform without requiring hardware-specific modifications, reducing device complexity while maintaining data security.
Data Source
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AI summary
Deterring output of data from a computing platform may be accomplished by launching a driver to filter write requests to selected output ports of the computing platform, receiving a write request, and denying the write request when the write request is for a selected output port identified as being in a read-only mode.