Secure Exchange Server for Enterprise Content Sharing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for secure content sharing across enterprises are inadequate, as they often require new infrastructure, software, and workflows, and lack effective control over access and revocation of sensitive information, especially when sharing beyond the enterprise firewall.
Innovation Solution
A system that enables secure content sharing through a secure exchange server, allowing users to manage access and revocation using digital rights management (DRM) and encryption, enabling control over who can access content and when, even after sharing, with the ability to un-share content across all instances and copies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If secure content sharing is implemented across enterprise boundaries using traditional methods, then security control is improved, but device complexity and infrastructure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a secure exchange server as an intermediary component that mediates content sharing between enterprises. This server handles authentication, authorization, and content distribution, eliminating the need for direct complex infrastructure between participating enterprises. The intermediary absorbs the complexity of security management while providing simple access points to end users.
Solution Approach 2:
The secure exchange server performs multiple functions including authentication, authorization, content encryption, distribution tracking, and access revocation. By consolidating these functions into a single multi-functional system, the patent reduces overall infrastructure complexity compared to implementing separate systems for each function across multiple enterprises.
2Reliability
If new secure workflow components and applications are adopted for content sharing, then security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to disruptive changes in user workflow
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically handles security operations including authentication, authorization, and access revocation without requiring user intervention. Users simply access content through the secure exchange server using their existing credentials, while the server manages the complex security protocols in the background. This self-service approach maintains security while preserving familiar user workflows.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring users to adapt to new security procedures and workflows, the patent inverts the approach by making the security system adapt to existing user workflows. The secure exchange server integrates with conventional applications and interfaces, allowing users to maintain their familiar workflows while security controls are applied transparently by the server.
3Adaptability or versatility
If content is shared externally beyond enterprise firewall, then adaptability and collaboration capability are improved, but security control and access management become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The secure exchange server implements comprehensive feedback mechanisms that track content distribution, access patterns, and user interactions. This feedback enables the system to dynamically adjust access controls, monitor for unauthorized access attempts, and revoke permissions when necessary. The feedback loop maintains security control even as content is distributed widely across external entities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic access control where permissions, authorization levels, and security policies can be adjusted in real-time based on current conditions. The secure exchange server continuously evaluates access requests and modifies permissions as needed, enabling flexible collaboration with external entities while maintaining adaptive security control that responds to changing threats and requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
In embodiments of the present invention, improved capabilities are described for securely sharing computer data content between business entities as managed through an intermediate business entity, where the secure sharing process utilizes encryption provided by the intermediate business entity but where the encryption keys used in the encryption are at least in part managed through one of the business entities as customer managed keys.