Visual Representation Object Confidential Data Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing computer security systems fail to prevent accidental disclosure of confidential information via visual representation objects, such as when users inadvertently input sensitive data into incorrect fields due to input focus stealing or malicious software manipulation, leading to security risks.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that establish pattern information for confidential data, monitor visual representation objects for input focus, compare input data with this pattern to identify unobscured portions, and block communication of such data to prevent accidental disclosure, using modules like an establishment module, monitoring module, comparison module, and production module to generate indicia of detection and control data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If password controls obscure the inputted data, then the confidential information is protected from public view, but the confidential information can still be accidentally disclosed through other visual representation where the input data is not obscured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the protection mechanism from password controls specifically to all visual representation objects. The system monitors multiple types of visual representations (windows, dialogs, controls) and applies pattern matching across all of them, making the security solution universal rather than limited to a single control type. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining security protection while expanding coverage to prevent accidental disclosure in any visual representation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the monitoring function into separate modules: an establishment module that creates pattern information, a monitoring module that detects visual representation objects, and a comparison module that matches input data against patterns. This segmentation allows the system to comprehensively monitor different visual representation types without creating a monolithic complex system, thereby expanding protection coverage while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If the system monitors all visual representation objects for confidential information, then accidental disclosure is prevented, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces pattern information as an intermediary that mediates between the monitoring process and the actual confidential data. Instead of directly analyzing all input data across all visual representations, the system compares data against pre-established patterns. This intermediary approach enables comprehensive monitoring while simplifying the comparison process, thus preventing accidental disclosure without proportionally increasing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically establishes pattern information based on statistical data and commonly used confidential information formats, without requiring manual configuration for each monitoring scenario. The establishment module self-generates patterns that the comparison module then uses autonomously. This self-service capability reduces the operational complexity of maintaining comprehensive security monitoring across all visual representation objects.
3Measurement precision
If pattern information is established using statistical data, then the detection accuracy is improved, but the time required to establish patterns increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs pattern establishment in advance, before actual monitoring begins. The establishment module pre-generates pattern information based on statistical data and common confidential information formats, storing these patterns for rapid comparison during operation. This preliminary action separates the time-consuming pattern creation process from the real-time monitoring process, thereby achieving high detection accuracy without sacrificing operational speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses statistically-derived pattern templates that are computationally inexpensive to generate and compare. Rather than implementing complex real-time analysis algorithms, the patent employs simple pattern matching against pre-established templates. These lightweight patterns can be quickly created and discarded, enabling accurate detection while minimizing the time investment required for pattern establishment and maintenance.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for preventing accidental disclosure of confidential information via visual representation objects is described. In one embodiment, the method includes establishing pattern information with respect to confidential information, wherein the confidential information is used to authenticate users, monitoring a visual representation object having an input focus associated with a user interface, wherein the visual representation object receives input data, comparing the input data with the pattern information to identify at least one unobscured portion of the confidential information and producing indicia of detection of the at least one unobscured portion of the confidential information on the visual representation object.