Secure Application Preference Management via Cryptographic Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Operating systems often restrict users from changing application preferences, and malicious applications can alter these settings without consent, leading to unauthorized modifications.

Innovation Solution

A system that compares and synchronizes preferences between a public and private file, using encryption with public/private key cryptography to ensure authorized changes and prevent unauthorized modifications, allowing users to manage application launch conditions securely.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the operating system allows applications to alter the settings, then applications can modify preferences, but malicious applications can alter settings without user consent

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplication preference modificationVSAvoidunauthorized modification prevention

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the preferences file into multiple sections, each protected by different authorization mechanisms. The first section contains preferences that can be modified by any application, while the second section contains preferences that require specific authorization. This segmentation allows legitimate preference modification while preventing malicious unauthorized changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary authorization mechanism that mediates between applications and the preferences file. This intermediary checks whether an application has the necessary authorization before allowing modifications, thus preventing malicious applications from altering settings without user consent while still allowing authorized applications to modify preferences.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the operating system restricts users from changing application preferences, then settings are protected, but users cannot change which application is used

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesettings protectionVSAvoiduser preference control

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic authorization where the ability to modify preferences depends on the specific preference section and the application's authorization status. The system dynamically adjusts access control based on the requested modification, allowing users to change preferences through authorized applications while protecting critical settings from unauthorized changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the system monitors and tracks modifications to the preferences file. The authorization mechanism provides feedback about whether a modification is permitted, and the system maintains an audit trail of changes. This feedback loop ensures user control over preferences while maintaining protection against unauthorized modifications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS9245138B2Shared preferences in a multi-application environment

Publication Date: 2016.01.26 GOOGLE LLC

AI summary

Various aspects of the subject technology relate to a system configured to store preferences in a file that is accessible to other applications on a computing device. The preferences stored in the file may include application use preferences that specify an application to be launched and the conditions in which the application is to be launched. The system further includes features for protecting the preferences in the file from modification by unauthorized parties or applications.