Secure Output of Sensitive Data in Public Spaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Computing devices often output sensitive data in non-secure manners when used in public spaces, making it vulnerable to observation or interception by unintended entities.
Innovation Solution
A method and system where a computing device determines if it is in a public space using various inputs, and if so, modifies sensitive data to generate a modified data item for secure output, which can be displayed, audibly recited, or printed, without human intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sensitive data is output directly without modification, then data accuracy and completeness are maintained, but security and privacy are compromised in public spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of the operating environment (public vs. private space) and pre-modifies sensitive data before output. By detecting location and space type in advance and modifying data proactively, the system prevents unauthorized observation while maintaining data accuracy for authorized users.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies different output qualities based on the local operating environment. In public spaces, sensitive data is modified (masked or obscured), while in private spaces, full accurate data is displayed. This local adaptation resolves the contradiction by tailoring data presentation to the specific security context.
2Reliability
If sensitive data is modified for secure output, then privacy and security are improved, but data completeness and accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial modification to sensitive data by masking only specific portions (e.g., showing only the last four digits of a credit card number) rather than obscuring the entire data set. This partial action maintains security for sensitive portions while preserving data completeness and usability for non-sensitive portions.
3Extent of automation
If the system automatically detects public spaces and modifies data, then security is improved without human intervention, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-detection of the operating environment and self-modification of data without requiring user configuration or intervention. The device automatically detects whether it is in a public or private space and autonomously applies appropriate data modification, eliminating the need for manual security management.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If data modification is applied in public spaces, then unauthorized observation is prevented, but user convenience deteriorates due to additional processing
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts and isolates only the sensitive portions of data for modification, leaving non-sensitive data unchanged and immediately displayable. This extraction approach minimizes processing overhead by focusing modification efforts only on necessary elements, thereby maintaining user convenience while preventing unauthorized observation.
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are systems, methods, and apparatuses for securely outputting sensitive information. The systems, methods, and apparatuses may include accessing a data item using a computing device, determining that the data item contains sensitive information, and determining that the computing device is located in a public space. The data item, or a portion thereof, may be modified and the modified data item may be output.