Secure Content Management via Resource Locators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing message handling services provide unrestricted distribution of file attachments, leading to unwanted and unsecured sharing of files in e-mail and calendar messages, which is undesirable in many situations.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a secure content management system that uses resource locators instead of direct file attachments, allowing permissions to be confirmed and file access schedules to be defined, ensuring controlled distribution and access to files based on user and device permissions, and managing file access through a management service.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If direct file attachments are used in message handling services, then ease of operation is improved, but security and control over file distribution deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a content manager and resource locator system as an intermediary between the message handling service and file distribution. Instead of directly attaching files to messages, the system uses resource locators that point to files stored in a content manager, enabling controlled access while maintaining ease of sharing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the file distribution process into separate components: message transmission, file storage, and access control. The message contains only a resource locator rather than the actual file, separating the communication function from the file delivery function and enabling independent control of each aspect.
2Productivity
If unrestricted file distribution is enabled, then productivity is improved, but harmful factors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by establishing access permissions and file access schedules before file distribution occurs. The content manager pre-configures who can access files and when, preventing unauthorized distribution before it can happen while still allowing legitimate sharing to proceed efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the content manager monitors and controls file access based on predefined permissions. Access attempts are validated against stored permission data, and the system responds by granting or denying access accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that prevents unauthorized distribution.
Data Source
AI summary
The secure management of attachments is described. In one example, files are identified for attachment to a message through a secure content application extension. Rather than directly attaching the files to the message, a resource locator or link to the files is generated, and the resource locator is inserted into the message. The message is then forwarded for distribution to client devices based on an addressee list for the message. The distribution of and access to the files is managed separately by a management service. The management service can notify the client devices to retrieve the files based on a file access schedule. At each of the client devices, users can access the files through a secure content file application extension using the resource locator during the file access schedule. Thus, the files are distributed through secure content file applications and not as direct attachments to messages.