Virtual Device Mediated Information Exchange Encryption
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Solution Overview
Problem
In information processing systems, there is a risk of information leakage between an information processing apparatus and an application mediated by a virtual device, as administrators can snoop on data transmitted and received between them.
Innovation Solution
The information processing apparatus and terminal convert confidential information into formats that can be referred to by themselves and the application but not by the virtual device, using encryption to ensure private data is not accessible to the virtual device during transmission and reception.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a virtual device mediates information exchange between an application and an information processing apparatus, then information exchange capability is improved, but information security deteriorates due to potential snooping by administrators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a virtual device as an intermediary component that sits between the application and the information processing apparatus. This virtual device mediates all information exchange, allowing administrators to monitor and manage communications while the patent addresses the security concern through additional encryption mechanisms. The virtual device enables flexible information exchange capabilities while the encryption layer protects against unauthorized access to sensitive data.
2Adaptability or versatility
If confidential information is transmitted via a virtual device, then communication flexibility is improved, but confidentiality deteriorates due to potential access by the virtual device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication system into distinct layers: the virtual device handles communication management and flexibility, while a separate encryption layer handles confidentiality. By dividing the system into these functional segments, the virtual device can provide flexible communication routing and management without compromising the confidentiality of sensitive data, which is protected by the dedicated encryption mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of data representation by encrypting confidential information before transmission through the virtual device. This parameter change from plaintext to ciphertext ensures that even if the virtual device has access to the data, it cannot interpret or misuse the confidential information. The encryption transforms the data into an unreadable format for unauthorized parties while maintaining the communication flexibility provided by the virtual device.
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing system includes: a server including a first processor configured to function as a virtual device that is provided on a one-to-one basis with a predetermined information processing apparatus and mediates exchange of information between an application and the information processing apparatus; the information processing apparatus including a second processor, in a case of exchanging predetermined confidential information with the application via the virtual device, the second processor configured to exchange the information by converting the information into a format in which the information is to be referred to by the information processing apparatus and the application and is not to be referred to by the virtual device; and an information processing terminal including a third processor configured to function as the application, and exchange the information by converting the information into a format in which the information is to be referred to by the information processing terminal and the application and is not to be referred to by the virtual device, in a case of exchanging the confidential information with the information processing apparatus via the virtual device.