User Input Analysis for APT Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs) are difficult to detect as they mimic legitimate user behavior, making it challenging for system administrators to distinguish between malicious and non-malicious activities in network and computing resources.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method using user-input information to identify security threats by detecting activity, determining if user input was provided during the activity, and performing security actions based on the determination of potential threats, including analyzing user input patterns and device usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional security detection methods are used, then detection simplicity is maintained, but detection accuracy deteriorates because APTs mimic legitimate user behavior
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by establishing baseline user behavior patterns before actual security detection occurs. It collects and analyzes user input data, device usage patterns, and application behavior over time to create reference profiles. When security events occur, the system compares them against these pre-established baselines, enabling accurate detection of APTs that mimic legitimate behavior without requiring complex real-time analysis.
2Measurement precision
If user input monitoring is implemented, then detection accuracy improves, but ease of operation deteriorates due to additional user interaction requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service by automatically collecting user input data through background processes and device drivers without requiring user awareness or participation. The security software autonomously monitors keyboard inputs, mouse movements, and application usage patterns, then processes this data to establish behavior baselines and detect threats. This eliminates the need for user training or manual configuration while maintaining high detection accuracy.
3Reliability
If comprehensive activity monitoring is performed, then security detection capability improves, but loss of time increases due to extensive data analysis
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts and monitors only the most critical security-relevant parameters from user behavior, such as input timing patterns, device usage frequency, and application launch sequences. By focusing on these key indicators rather than analyzing all possible user actions, the system maintains high detection reliability while minimizing data processing time and computational overhead.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method for using user-input information to identify computer security threats may include (1) detecting activity at a computing system, (2) determining whether a user provided input at the computing system when the activity occurred, (3) determining that the activity indicates a potential security threat based at least in part on whether the user provided input at the computing system when the activity occurred, and (4) performing a security action on the activity in response to the determination that the activity indicates a potential security threat. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed.