User-Specific Watermarking for Data File Leak Tracing
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a persistent risk of unauthorized dissemination of sensitive information when it is shared among multiple recipients, as existing technologies lack the ability to accurately trace the source of leaked data files, especially in social media platforms, due to the large number of potential culprits and the invisible nature of such leaks.
Innovation Solution
A computing platform embeds a unique identifying feature into data files distributed to linked user accounts, allowing for correlation of unauthorized dissemination back to the specific user account, using optical character recognition (OCR) and machine learning to assess and tag restricted-access information, and searches social media platforms for unauthorized sharing, generating reports for administrative devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If data files are distributed to multiple user accounts, then information sharing capability is improved, but the risk of unauthorized dissemination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the distributed data files by embedding unique identifying features (watermarks) in each copy distributed to different user accounts. This segmentation allows the system to track and identify the specific user account associated with each leaked copy, thereby maintaining security traceability while enabling widespread information sharing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (unique identifying feature/watermark) that bridges the gap between information sharing and security tracking. This intermediary element is embedded in distributed files and enables automatic correlation between leaked files and source user accounts, resolving the contradiction between sharing capability and security risk.
2Measurement precision
If traditional watermarking methods are used, then file tracking capability is improved, but the watermarking process consumes significant processing time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameters of watermarking by using compact unique identifiers instead of traditional extensive watermarking patterns. This parameter change reduces the computational complexity and processing time required for embedding and detecting watermarks, while maintaining sufficient precision for file tracking and user identification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts only the essential tracking information (unique user identifiers) from the watermarking process, removing unnecessary complexity. By taking out only the critical identification elements needed for tracking, the system achieves effective file tracking with minimal processing time consumption.
3Reliability
If social media platforms are searched for leaked files, then unauthorized dissemination detection is improved, but the complexity of monitoring increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where unique identifying features embedded in distributed files automatically provide traceable information when files appear on social media platforms. This feedback loop enables automated detection and identification of leaked files and their source user accounts, improving detection reliability while reducing monitoring complexity through self-identifying watermarks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the leaked files to self-identify their source through embedded unique identifying features. When files are uploaded to social media platforms, the watermarking system automatically correlates them with source user accounts without requiring complex manual analysis, allowing the system to monitor itself efficiently.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the disclosure relate to multicomputer processing and dissemination of data files. A computing platform having at least one processor, a memory, and a communication interface may search one or more social media platforms for unauthorized dissemination of a data file. The computing platform may correlate a unique identifying feature(s) of the disseminated data file to that of a copy of the data file previously distributed to a linked user account. The computing platform may transmit, via the communication interface, to an administrative computing device, an unauthorized dissemination report which, when processed by the administrative computing device causes a notification to be displayed on the administrative computing device. The notification may identify the linked user account associated with the unauthorized dissemination, the name, content, or general nature of the data file, and/or the social media platform(s) on which the data file was discovered.