Security Software Configuration Based on User Behavior
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current security software configurations are static and do not adapt to individual user behavior, leading to inadequate protection for more vulnerable computers and unnecessary resource consumption on less vulnerable ones, as they do not account for varying levels of user activity and website reputations.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that examines user activity to produce behavior indicia, determining an optimal configuration for security software by comparing internet activity with reputation information, adjusting settings to an aggressive mode if vulnerability is detected, and automatically configuring security patches for enhanced protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high security settings are deployed for all user computers, then detection of malicious threats is improved, but computer performance degrades and computing resources are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by tailoring security settings to individual user computers based on their specific vulnerability levels. Instead of applying uniform high security settings to all computers, the system assesses each computer's risk profile (considering factors like user behavior, accessed websites, and installed software) and configures appropriate security measures accordingly. This ensures that high-security computers receive aggressive protection while low-risk computers use lighter settings, optimizing both detection capability and performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by dynamically adjusting security settings based on assessed vulnerability levels. The system changes security parameters (such as scanning intensity, real-time monitoring levels, and resource allocation) according to each computer's risk profile. This allows the security software to adapt its behavior from aggressive mode for high-risk computers to more conservative mode for low-risk computers, resolving the contradiction between detection effectiveness and performance impact.
2Device complexity
If static security settings are used for all users, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different user behaviors and vulnerability levels is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static security settings to dynamic, adaptive configurations. The system continuously monitors user behavior, accessed websites, and computer activities to assess vulnerability levels in real-time. Based on this ongoing assessment, the security software automatically adjusts its settings to match each user's specific risk profile. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain appropriate security measures without requiring complex manual configuration, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the security software to automatically assess and configure itself based on observed user behavior and computer usage patterns. Instead of requiring users to manually select security levels or provide detailed risk information, the system autonomously monitors activities (such as website access, software installation, and user interactions) and self-adjusts security settings accordingly. This self-service mechanism reduces configuration complexity while achieving high adaptability to individual user behaviors.
3Ease of operation
If default security settings are used during installation, then ease of operation is improved, but security configuration accuracy deteriorates when usage patterns are insufficiently known
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by establishing default security settings during installation that provide immediate, reasonable protection. These default settings are designed to be operationally simple and are automatically applied without requiring user input or detailed risk assessment at installation time. The system then continues to collect usage data and refine configurations afterward, ensuring that initial ease of operation does not compromise long-term configuration accuracy. This phased approach resolves the contradiction by providing immediate operational simplicity while planning for future precision improvement.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for securing a computer using an optimal configuration for security software based on user behavior is described. In one embodiment, the method for providing an optimal configuration to secure a computer based on user behavior includes examining computer user activity to produce behavior indicia with respect to computer security from malicious threats and determining an optimal configuration for security software based on the behavior indicia.