Threat Scanner Multi-Function Maintenance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current threat scanners are limited to performing only threat-related functions and lack the capability to handle non-threat-related tasks, such as updating computer code or identifying non-threatening issues within computer systems.

Innovation Solution

A threat scanning system that utilizes both threat-related and non-threat-related data to perform comprehensive scanning and maintenance functions, including identifying and reacting to threats, as well as updating or fixing non-threatening computer code, by separating or combining data structures and employing an update engine to distribute necessary files to local systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If threat scanners are designed to perform only threat-related functions, then the system maintains simplicity and focused functionality, but the system lacks versatility and cannot perform non-threat-related tasks such as system maintenance and updates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctionality versatilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The threat scanner is enhanced to perform multiple functions beyond threat detection, including system maintenance, code updates, and file system optimizations. The scanner now processes both threat-related signatures and non-threat-related maintenance tasks through a unified scanning mechanism, allowing one system to serve multiple purposes without requiring separate specialized tools

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The scanning functionality is divided into distinct modules: threat detection module, system maintenance module, and code update module. Each module operates independently but shares common infrastructure, allowing the system to perform threat-related and non-threat-related functions through segmented, manageable components that can be activated selectively

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If threat scanners perform highly-targeted computer code modification for threat removal, then threat remediation effectiveness is improved, but the system cannot perform other code modification tasks such as system updates and maintenance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethreat remediation effectivenessVSAvoidcode modification capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The code modification capability of the threat scanner is extended to handle both threat remediation and system maintenance tasks. The same scanning and modification infrastructure used for removing threats is now also employed for applying system updates, fixing code issues, and performing maintenance operations, making the modification capability universal rather than threat-specific

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If threat scanners utilize dedicated threat-related data and processing routines, then threat detection accuracy is maintained, but the system cannot efficiently handle non-threat-related processing tasks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethreat detection accuracyVSAvoidprocessing capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The processing routines are segmented into threat-specific analysis components and general-purpose processing components. The threat detection accuracy is maintained through dedicated signature-matching algorithms, while non-threat-related processing is handled by separate but integrated maintenance routines that share the same scanning infrastructure without interfering with threat detection precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS8484725B1System, method and computer program product for utilizing a threat scanner for performing non-threat-related processing
Publication Date: 2013.07.09 MCAFEE LLC
  • US8484725B1 patent drawing
  • US8484725B1 patent drawing
  • US8484725B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A threat scanning system, method and computer program product are provided. Initially, data is received or identified (e.g. by way of an update, initial installation, etc.). Such data may include first data for use in performing a first threat-related function, and second data for use in performing a second non-threat-related function. In use, the first threat-related function and the second non-threat-related function are both performed with a threat scanner, utilizing the first data and the second data.