Secure XML Feed Authentication via Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data exchange technologies, such as RSS and Atom, lack secure mechanisms for delivering sensitive content, as they primarily rely on unsecured XML feeds, making it difficult to protect private or sensitive information during transmission and access.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced where XML feed data includes a reference to secure content, with authentication data being sent to a network location to retrieve the secure content, ensuring that only authenticated users can access the sensitive information by uploading it to their client after successful authentication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If XML feeds are used to share content between sites, then content exchange and syndication are facilitated, but secure delivery of sensitive content cannot be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments content into two types: public content delivered through standard XML feeds and secure content delivered through authenticated channels. The XML feed structure is divided to include both public content elements and secure content references, allowing different delivery mechanisms for different content types while maintaining overall system functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary authentication mechanism between the XML feed provider and content consumer. This intermediary verifies user credentials before delivering secure content, acting as a mediator that enables secure content exchange without compromising the simplicity of the overall XML feed system.
2Reliability
If authentication mechanisms are added to XML feeds, then secure content access is enabled, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the authentication logic from the core XML feed delivery mechanism. Authentication is handled as a separate, optional process that only activates when secure content is accessed. The XML feed structure remains relatively simple, with authentication handled through separate API calls and credential verification processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies authentication only partially - specifically only when secure content is accessed, rather than requiring authentication for all content delivery. This partial action approach enables security where needed while avoiding the complexity of universal authentication mechanisms for all content types.
3Reliability
If authentication data is transmitted to retrieve secure content, then only authenticated users can access sensitive information, but data transmission security requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an intermediary authentication server as a mediator between the XML feed provider and the content delivery system. This intermediary handles credential verification centrally, allowing authentication data to be transmitted through a controlled, monitored channel rather than directly embedded in the XML feed, thereby reducing transmission vulnerability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs authentication as a preliminary action before content delivery. Credentials are verified in advance through a secure authentication endpoint, and only after successful verification is the secure content made available. This preliminary authentication step ensures that authentication data is transmitted and processed securely before any sensitive content is exposed.
Data Source
AI summary
A system receives an Extensible Markup Language (XML) feed, where the XML feed includes a reference to secure content. The system downloads secure content from a remote location based on the reference included in the XML feed.