Realtime Event Detection Using State Machines for Malware Chains

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies face challenges in efficiently detecting complex and evolving malware in real-time due to sophisticated computing environments, requiring improved techniques for event-based detection.

Innovation Solution

An event handler implements a state machine to process complex event chains, focusing on incremental events to efficiently monitor and respond to sequences, enhancing scalability and computation efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional malware detection methods are used, then detection capability is maintained, but processing efficiency and scalability deteriorate when dealing with complex event chains

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection efficiencyVSAvoidevent chain complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments complex malware detection into discrete, manageable events organized in event chains. Each event represents a specific observable action (file creation, registry modification, network connection), allowing the system to break down sophisticated malware behavior into atomic units that can be processed independently and efficiently by the state machine engine.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a dynamic state machine that transitions between states based on observed events. The detection model is not static but adapts as events unfold, with the state machine dynamically adjusting its analysis based on the current state and incoming events. This dynamic approach allows efficient handling of complex event chains without requiring predetermined complete analysis of all possible event sequences.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If comprehensive event monitoring is implemented, then detection accuracy improves, but computational overhead and processing time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-defining event chains and state transition rules before malware detection begins. The system pre-configures what sequences of events to monitor and how to interpret them, allowing real-time detection to proceed efficiently without requiring complex runtime analysis decisions. This preliminary structuring enables accurate detection while minimizing processing time during actual malware analysis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Speed

If real-time detection is implemented, then response time improves, but system resource consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresponse timeVSAvoidcomputational resources
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and monitors only the specific events relevant to malware detection rather than analyzing all system activities. The event chain model selectively focuses on critical indicators (file system changes, registry modifications, network connections) while ignoring unrelated system operations. This extraction approach enables real-time detection with minimal computational overhead by concentrating resources on high-value detection targets.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS20250240308A1Realtime event detection
Publication Date: 2025.07.24 SOPHOS LTD
  • US20250240308A1 patent drawing
  • US20250240308A1 patent drawing
  • US20250240308A1 patent drawing

AI summary

An event handler implements a state machine or similar construct for processing of complex event chains as incremental events are detected. This approach advantageously limits processing to monitoring for and responding to a next event in a sequence of events, and supports complex event detection in a manner that scales efficiently in time and computation.