Unique Execution Key Validation for Anti-Virus Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current antivirus strategies are ineffective in preventing the spread of computer viruses due to their reliance on identifying existing infections and requiring widespread updates, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs, as they fail to account for the inherent vulnerabilities in mass-distributed software that hackers exploit.
Innovation Solution
Assigning unique numeric keys to executable software files on each computing system, ensuring that each system running mass-distributed software is distinct, thereby requiring hackers to attack each system individually and making the spread of viruses more difficult, with the option to change keys frequently to prevent infection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If identical copies of mass-distributed software are used across multiple computing systems, then software support and training become easier, but computer security vulnerabilities are replicated across all systems, enabling widespread virus propagation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the software execution environment by introducing a runtime key generation mechanism that creates unique execution contexts for each computing system. While the software code itself remains identical across systems, the runtime behavior is segmented through unique keys generated from system-specific hardware identifiers, preventing virus replication across different systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by making each computing system's software execution unique through system-specific keys derived from local hardware identifiers. Each system executes the same software but with locally-generated unique keys that prevent other systems from exploiting the same vulnerabilities, creating localized security boundaries.
2Reliability
If security patches and anti-virus software are released after virus discovery, then existing vulnerabilities can be addressed, but damage has already been done to infected systems and the response is too slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring each computing system with a unique runtime key before any virus infection can occur. This pre-established security mechanism is automatically activated when software executes, preventing virus propagation before damage can occur, rather than responding after infection is detected.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by pre-establishing unique security keys for each system that actively prevent virus replication in advance. The key validation mechanism is prepared beforehand and automatically blocks potential virus execution, counteracting the threat before it can spread to other systems.
3Device complexity
If hackers exploit logic flaws in mass-distributed software, then unauthorized access is gained to computing resources, but the same flaws exist on every system making attacks highly effective
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamics by making the software execution environment dynamic and unique for each system through runtime key generation. While the base software logic remains static and identical across systems, the execution context becomes dynamic and system-specific, preventing hackers from exploiting the same logic flaws across multiple systems.
4Reliability
If unique keys are assigned to executable files on each computing system, then virus spread is prevented by making each system distinct, but key management and validation add system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling each computing system to automatically generate and manage its own unique runtime keys using its local hardware identifiers. The key validation process is self-executing during software runtime, eliminating the need for external key management infrastructure and reducing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A system is provided that strongly inhibits infection and spread of computer viruses. Valid executable software files and supporting files, even files provided by mass-released commercial software, are associated with a numeric key that is unique to each individual computer running the software. For a file to be processed by the central processing unit (CPU) of the computer, the presence of a valid key must first be verified. Every valid executable file, including files relating to the operating system and application layer code, is provided with a unique key. Thus, viruses that attempt to gain access to the CPU to perform unauthorized actions, including replication, are prevented due to lack of a valid execution key. Execution keys are generated locally on each individual computer using a variety of methods. Execution keys can be regenerated if the security of a computer system has been compromised, or appears to have been compromised.