Virtual Trap Protection for Ransomware Data Encryption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies lack an efficient solution to prevent ransomware from encrypting or locking data in computer-based systems, with ransomware posing a significant threat due to its increasing prevalence and destructive capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize virtual traps, identified by specific data element identifiers, are deployed at optimal positions within the memory to detect and prevent ransomware encryption, with the ability to dynamically adjust trap numbers and positions based on changes in the data elements, and initiate processes to counter suspicious activities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional security software is used to detect ransomware, then detection capability is provided, but prevention effectiveness is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual trap files and folders before ransomware infection occurs. These traps are pre-positioned in the file system at locations where ransomware is likely to target. When ransomware attempts to encrypt these trap objects, the encryption process is intercepted and neutralized before real data is compromised. This preliminary deployment of protective measures resolves the contradiction by providing effective prevention without requiring complex real-time analysis systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual trap objects serve as intermediary elements between the ransomware and real data files. Instead of directly protecting valuable data files through complex security software, the system introduces virtual trap files as mediators that absorb the ransomware's malicious actions. The ransomware encrypts these harmless virtual traps instead of real data, thereby preventing actual damage while avoiding the need for complex security detection systems.
2Reliability
If virtual traps are deployed to prevent ransomware encryption, then data protection is improved, but system resource consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual trap files and folders that are lightweight in terms of system resources. These virtual objects consume minimal memory and storage resources compared to traditional security software. They are designed to be simple placeholder objects that occupy file system space but contain no actual data, making them extremely resource-efficient while providing effective ransomware protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the number and distribution of virtual traps based on system conditions and threat levels. When resource availability changes or threat patterns are detected, the system can modify trap density and placement strategies. This parameter adjustment allows the system to maintain strong data protection while optimizing resource consumption based on current system state.
3Measurement precision
If the number of virtual traps is increased to improve coverage, then detection capability is enhanced, but system performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements non-uniform distribution of virtual traps throughout the file system. Instead of placing traps uniformly across all directories, the system concentrates traps in locations where ransomware is most likely to target based on analysis of attack patterns and file system structure. This local concentration strategy provides high detection capability in critical areas while minimizing the total number of traps needed, thereby maintaining system performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system deploys virtual traps selectively rather than attempting to protect every single file. By focusing trap placement on high-value targets and commonly attacked directories, the system achieves sufficient protection coverage without the performance penalty of universal protection. This partial action approach provides adequate detection capability while preserving overall system productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
To prevent ransomware from encrypting data elements stored in a memory of a computer-based system, the system identifies at least one identifier associated with a data element. The identifiers indicate an attribute(s) of the corresponding data element within the memory. The system then determines an optimal number of virtual traps for the data elements respective of at least one identifier. The system then determines an optimal position for each virtual trap corresponding to the at least one identifier. The system then positions the virtual traps at the determined position within the memory. The system monitors the data elements stored in the memory in order to identify whether changes have occurred, and determines respectively updated optimal number and positions of virtual traps.