Test Data Generation Using Entropy and Deduplication Targets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ransomware protection tools are inadequately tested using simulated user data that fails to accurately reflect actual user data properties, leading to ineffective development and performance.
Innovation Solution
Generate test data by modifying a predefined data buffer based on entropy and deduplication values derived from an IO trace, ensuring the test data accurately mimics actual write data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If simulated user data is generated using random data, then data availability is improved, but data accuracy is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by systematically varying multiple parameters of the generated test data including entropy values, deduplication ratios, compression ratios, and I/O operation patterns. Instead of using simple random data, the system adjusts these parameters to match the statistical characteristics of actual ransomware-encrypted data, thereby improving data accuracy while maintaining availability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements copying by creating test data that replicates the key properties and patterns of actual user data subjected to ransomware attacks. Rather than using entirely synthetic random data, the system copies the essential characteristics (entropy, deduplication behavior, compression resistance) from real attack scenarios to generate realistic test data that accurately reflects production conditions
2Productivity
If test data lacks accurate entropy and deduplication properties, then data generation speed is improved, but testing effectiveness is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and pre-configuring test data with the correct entropy values, deduplication ratios, and other cryptographic properties before actual testing begins. The system prepares multiple datasets with varying parameters in advance, so that during ransomware protection tool testing, the appropriate pre-configured data can be immediately deployed without requiring time-consuming generation or adjustment during the testing process itself
Data Source
AI summary
A technique is directed to generating test data to be written in a predefined testing environment. The technique includes receiving an entropy value indicating an amount of entropy of write data of a completed write operation to be mimicked by the test data, and a deduplication value indicating a target deduplication ratio of the test data in the predefined testing environment. The technique further includes identifying, based on the entropy value, a particular data buffer from a predefined plurality of data buffers. The technique further includes, after identifying the particular data buffer, modifying at least part of the particular data buffer based on the deduplication value to generate a modified data buffer as the test data.