AUTOMATICALLY DETECTING SENSITIVE DIGITAL INFORMATION

摘要

The present invention relates to the automatic detection of sensitive digital information, and the identification methods, application and enforcement of information security policies for digital information controlled through a software permission wrapper throughout the useful life of the information. This invention includes a unique taxonomy that defines the policies and rules regarding how the information is controlled automatically throughout its useful lifecycle based on the type of information, the stage of the information lifecycle, the user/group role accessing the information, the locality of the information, and the expected threats to the information. These policies are enforced through a software permission wrapper that is used to encapsulate sensitive digital information. The permission wrapper can automatically change the protection of the information based on pre-defined protection states that can automatically enforce discretionary access control rights to the sensitive information controlled in the permission wrapper. The changes to the level of protection occur dynamically based on changes in user locality, stage of information lifecycle, and user/group role and the detection of threats.