Software Installation Control via Risk Assessment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users often unknowingly install unauthorized software applications on their devices, posing security risks as critical security mechanisms struggle to differentiate between legitimate and malicious applications, leading to potential data misuse by hackers.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that automatically detect software application installations, assess their danger level based on collected and pre-stored data, and allow or block installations based on a threshold, providing users with control and visibility through a network service that monitors and verifies installations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If automatic application installation control is implemented, then security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary application installation control mechanism that acts as a mediator between the user device and incoming software applications. This control mechanism analyzes application information, assesses potential risks, and makes installation decisions without requiring complex user intervention or fundamentally altering the device architecture, thereby improving security while maintaining manageable complexity.
2Reliability
If user control over installations is enhanced, then security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service mechanism where the application installation control system automatically performs risk assessment, information collection, and installation decision-making processes. The system serves itself by autonomously evaluating applications against security criteria and managing the installation workflow, thereby enhancing security control without burdening users with complex operational tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the control system continuously monitors application behavior, user interactions, and installation outcomes. This feedback loop enables the system to learn from past decisions, adjust security policies dynamically, and provide users with informed recommendations, thereby strengthening security while maintaining user-friendly operation through intelligent automation.
3Measurement precision
If application information collection is expanded, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the application information collection process into distinct modules: basic information gathering, detailed analysis, risk assessment, and decision-making. Each segment handles specific aspects of application evaluation independently, allowing the system to collect comprehensive information for accurate danger level assessment while maintaining manageable complexity through modular architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and computer program products that automatically control the installation of software applications on a device are provided. The installation of a software application on a device is detected. The installation is temporarily halted and information about the detected software application installation is collected. A danger level of the detected software application is assessed based upon the collected information. Installation of the detected software application is allowed to continue if the assessed danger level is below a threshold level and installation of the detected software application is terminated if the assessed danger level is above the threshold level.