Patents by Inventor David K. Ford

David K. Ford has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20250350635
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses for detecting a presence of a malicious application are disclosed. In an example, a method includes determining a prediction for human user interaction with webpage content of a website. The method further includes using the prediction for human user interaction with the webpage content to determine when received webpage interaction information from a client device is indicative of a presence of a malicious application. The method provides an indication of the presence of the malicious application when the received interaction information is indicative of the presence of a malicious application.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2025
    Publication date: November 13, 2025
    Applicant: SunStone Information Defense, Inc.
    Inventor: David K. Ford
  • Publication number: 20250342233
    Abstract: A system, apparatuses, and methods for database security are disclosed. The system, apparatuses, and methods are configured to transform or polymorph database requests from an application server to a database in order to help prevent malicious applications from accessing the database. The database requests are transformed or polymorphed such that legitimate requests may be performed at the database as intended, but requests from malicious applications become indecipherable, and thus cannot be performed. Accordingly, the presently disclosed system, apparatuses, and methods help prevent database attacks or incursions, and balance front-end web application usability with the need to protect back-end databases from attacks (e.g., injection attacks).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2025
    Publication date: November 6, 2025
    Applicant: SunStone Information Defense, Inc.
    Inventor: David K. Ford
  • Publication number: 20250328645
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for interfering with malware using displaced display elements are disclosed. In an example, a processor is configured to change a location of a displayed pointer by a first offset vector from a hidden true pointer. The processor is also configured to change a location of at least one application display element, such as a website “Submit” button, by a second offset vector from a hidden true application element. The first offset vector may have a similar magnitude as the second offset vector but an opposite direction. Changing a location of a pointer and the application element by the offsets enables a user to interact with the application normally. However, the offsets prevent malware or a malicious application from interacting with the application.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2025
    Publication date: October 23, 2025
    Applicant: SunStone Information Defense, Inc.
    Inventor: David K. Ford
  • Patent number: 12368753
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses for detecting a presence of a malicious application are disclosed. In an example, a method includes storing information to a data structure as a predicted response from a client device. The information is indicative of graphically rendered text or images at the client device corresponding to transactional information and presentation information of a website. The method also includes, during a subsequent access of the website, selecting the transactional information and the presentation information to transmit to the client device. The method further includes receiving second information indicative of graphically rendered text or images at the client device, comparing the second information to the stored predicted response, and determining a malicious application is attempting to affect the controlled usage of a website resource or a second website resource when the received second information does not match the stored predicted response.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2024
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2025
    Assignee: SunStone Information Defense, Inc.
    Inventor: David K. Ford
  • Patent number: 12361101
    Abstract: A system, apparatuses, and methods for mobile device security are disclosed. In an example, a system includes a mobile endpoint device wirelessly communicatively coupled to a user device via a short range air gap. The system also includes a proxy server communicatively coupled to the user device via a network connection. The mobile endpoint device is configured to receive a text input from a user, convert the text input into a first format for transmission over the short range air gap, encrypt the converted text input, and transmit the encrypted converted text input to the user device. The proxy server is configured to receive the encrypted converted text input from the user device, decrypt the encrypted converted text input; convert the decrypted converted text input into a second format compatible with an application server, and transmit the converted text input in the second format to the application server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2024
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2025
    Assignee: SUNSTONE INFORMATION DEFENSE, INC.
    Inventor: David K. Ford
  • Patent number: 12346444
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for interfering with malware using displaced display elements are disclosed. In an example, a processor is configured to change a location of a displayed pointer by a first offset vector from a hidden true pointer. The processor is also configured to change a location of at least one application display element, such as a website “Submit” button, by a second offset vector from a hidden true application element. The first offset vector may have a similar magnitude as the second offset vector but an opposite direction Changing a location of a pointer and the application element by the offsets enables a user to interact with the application normally. However, the offsets prevent malware or a malicious application from interacting with the application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2023
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2025
    Assignee: SunStone Information Defense, Inc.
    Inventor: David K. Ford
  • Publication number: 20240256686
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for interfering with automated bots using a graphical pointer and page display elements are disclosed. In an example, a processor selects a challenge for display on a client device. The challenge includes a display element and stylized pointer information. The processor causes the display element to be displayed on the client device and a pointer to be stylized, as specified by the pointer information. The processor receives a response message corresponding to at least one of a pointer selection or pointer movement made by the stylized pointer. The processor compares information within the response message to a specified correct location of the display element that is stored in an answer file related to the selected challenge. If the information within the response message is correct, the processor transmits a correct answer message and/or enables webpage content to be displayed or otherwise provided to the client device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2024
    Publication date: August 1, 2024
    Inventor: David K. Ford
  • Publication number: 20240236146
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses for detecting a presence of a malicious application are disclosed. In an example, a method includes determining a prediction for human user interaction with webpage content of a website by identifying webpage elements in the webpage content, where the webpage elements are for human user interaction, and determining at least one of spatial density of cursor movements or cursor velocity vectors relative to the webpage elements that are indicative of human user interaction with the webpage content. The method further includes using the prediction for human user interaction with the webpage content to determine if received webpage interaction information from a client device is indicative of a presence of a malicious application. The method provides an indication of the presence of the malicious application when the received interaction information is indicative of the presence of a malicious application.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2024
    Publication date: July 11, 2024
    Applicant: SunStone Information Defense, Inc.
    Inventor: David K. Ford
  • Publication number: 20240202292
    Abstract: A system, apparatuses, and methods for mobile device security are disclosed. In an example, a system includes a mobile endpoint device wirelessly communicatively coupled to a user device via a short range air gap. The system also includes a proxy server communicatively coupled to the user device via a network connection. The mobile endpoint device is configured to receive a text input from a user, convert the text input into a first format for transmission over the short range air gap, encrypt the converted text input, and transmit the encrypted converted text input to the user device. The proxy server is configured to receive the encrypted converted text input from the user device, decrypt the encrypted converted text input; convert the decrypted converted text input into a second format compatible with an application server, and transmit the converted text input in the second format to the application server.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2024
    Publication date: June 20, 2024
    Applicant: SunStone Information Defense, Inc.
    Inventor: David K. Ford
  • Publication number: 20240134981
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for interfering with malware using displaced display elements are disclosed. In an example, a processor is configured to change a location of a displayed pointer by a first offset vector from a hidden true pointer. The processor is also configured to change a location of at least one application display element, such as a website “Submit” button, by a second offset vector from a hidden true application element. The first offset vector may have a similar magnitude as the second offset vector but an opposite direction Changing a location of a pointer and the application element by the offsets enables a user to interact with the application normally. However, the offsets prevent malware or a malicious application from inter-acting with the application.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2023
    Publication date: April 25, 2024
    Applicant: SunStone Information Defense, Inc.
    Inventor: David K. Ford
  • Patent number: 11943255
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses for detecting a presence of a malicious application are disclosed. In an example, a method includes determining a prediction for human user interaction with webpage content of a website by identifying webpage elements in the webpage content, where the webpage elements are for human user interaction, and determining at least one of spatial density of cursor movements or cursor velocity vectors relative to the webpage elements that are indicative of human user interaction with the webpage content. The method further includes using the prediction for human user interaction with the webpage content to determine if received webpage interaction information from a client device is indicative of a presence of a malicious application. The method provides an indication of the presence of the malicious application if the received interaction information is indicative of the presence of a malicious application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: SUNSTONE INFORMATION DEFENSE, INC.
    Inventor: David K. Ford
  • Patent number: 11868450
    Abstract: A system, apparatuses, and methods for device and network security are discussed herein. In an example, a security device for providing security to user-entered inputs includes a universal serial bus (“USB”) port configured to receive a connector of an input device and a USB connector configured to connect to a port of a user device. The apparatus also includes a processor configured to receive a string of characters from the input device that correspond to inputs made by a user into a web browser or application on the user device. The processor adds at least one security character to the string of characters to generate a watermark string, and transmits the watermark string to the user device. The processor is configured to format the at least one security character such that only the string of characters are displayed in the web browser or the application at the user device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: SUNSTONE INFORMATION DEFENSE, INC.
    Inventor: David K. Ford
  • Patent number: 11853423
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for interfering with malware using displaced display elements are disclosed. In an example, a processor is configured to change a location of a displayed pointer by a first offset vector from a hidden true pointer. The processor is also configured to change a location of at least one application display element, such as a website “Submit” button, by a second offset vector from a hidden true application element. The first offset vector may have a similar magnitude as the second offset vector but an opposite direction Changing a location of a pointer and the application element by the offsets enables a user to interact with the application normally. However, the offsets prevent malware or a malicious application from interacting with the application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: SUNSTONE INFORMATION DEFENSE, INC.
    Inventor: David K. Ford
  • Patent number: 11687653
    Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for identifying and removing malicious applications are disclosed. An example apparatus includes an executable application configured to collect data regarding processes operating on a client device during a time period. The executable application is also configured to purposefully access, during the time period, an application server using a web browser on the client device in an attempt to trigger a malicious application potentially located on the client device. The executable application is configured to transmit, after the time period, the collected data to an analysis server to determine whether the malicious application is located on the client device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: SUNSTONE INFORMATION DEFENSE, INC.
    Inventor: David K. Ford
  • Publication number: 20220405355
    Abstract: A system, apparatuses, and methods for device and network security are discussed herein. In an example, a security device for providing security to user-entered inputs includes a universal serial bus (“USB”) port configured to receive a connector of an input device and a USB connector configured to connect to a port of a user device. The apparatus also includes a processor configured to receive a string of characters from the input device that correspond to inputs made by a user into a web browser or application on the user device. The processor adds at least one security character to the string of characters to generate a watermark string, and transmits the watermark string to the user device. The processor is configured to format the at least one security character such that only the string of characters are displayed in the web browser or the application at the user device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2022
    Publication date: December 22, 2022
    Applicant: SunStone Information Defense, Inc.
    Inventor: David K. Ford
  • Publication number: 20220311800
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses for detecting a presence of a malicious application are disclosed. In an example, a method includes determining a prediction for human user interaction with webpage content of a website by identifying webpage elements in the webpage content, where the webpage elements are for human user interaction, and determining at least one of spatial density of cursor movements or cursor velocity vectors relative to the webpage elements that are indicative of human user interaction with the webpage content. The method further includes using the prediction for human user interaction with the webpage content to determine if received webpage interaction information from a client device is indicative of a presence of a malicious application. The method provides an indication of the presence of the malicious application if the received interaction information is indicative of the presence of a malicious application.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2022
    Publication date: September 29, 2022
    Applicant: SunStone Information Defense, Inc.
    Inventor: David K. Ford
  • Publication number: 20220300598
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for interfering with automated bots using a graphical pointer and page display elements are disclosed. In an example, a processor selects a challenge for display on a client device. The challenge includes a display element and stylized pointer information. The processor causes the display element to be displayed on the client device and a pointer to be stylized, as specified by the pointer information. The processor receives a response message corresponding to at least one of a pointer selection or pointer movement made by the stylized pointer. The processor compares information within the response message to a specified correct location of the display element that is stored in an answer file related to the selected challenge. If the information within the response message is correct, the processor transmits a correct answer message and/or enables webpage content to be displayed or otherwise provided to the client device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2020
    Publication date: September 22, 2022
    Applicant: SunStone Information Defense, Inc.
    Inventor: David K. Ford
  • Patent number: 11379564
    Abstract: A system, apparatuses, and methods for device and network security are discussed herein. In an example, a security device for providing security to user-entered inputs includes a universal serial bus (“USB”) port configured to receive a connector of an input device and a USB connector configured to connect to a port of a user device. The apparatus also includes a processor configured to receive a string of characters from the input device that correspond to inputs made by a user into a web browser or application on the user device. The processor adds at least one security character to the string of characters to generate a watermark string, and transmits the watermark string to the user device. The processor is configured to format the at least one security character such that only the string of characters are displayed in the web browser or the application at the user device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: SUNSTONE INFORMATION DEFENSE, INC.
    Inventor: David K. Ford
  • Patent number: 11283833
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses for detecting a presence of a malicious application are disclosed. In an example, a method includes determining a prediction for human user interaction with webpage content of a website by identifying webpage elements in the webpage content, where the webpage elements are for human user interaction, and determining at least one of spatial density of cursor movements or cursor velocity vectors relative to the webpage elements that are indicative of human user interaction with the webpage content. The method further includes using the prediction for human user interaction with the webpage content to determine if received webpage interaction information from a client device is indicative of a presence of a malicious application. The method provides an indication of the presence of the malicious application if the received interaction information is indicative of the presence of a malicious application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: SUNSTONE INFORMATION DEFENSE INC.
    Inventor: David K. Ford
  • Publication number: 20210382994
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for interfering with malware using displaced display elements are disclosed. In an example, a processor is configured to change a location of a displayed pointer by a first offset vector from a hidden true pointer. The processor is also configured to change a location of at least one application display element, such as a website “Submit” button, by a second offset vector from a hidden true application element. The first offset vector may have a similar magnitude as the second offset vector but an opposite direction Changing a location of a pointer and the application element by the offsets enables a user to interact with the application normally. However, the offsets prevent malware or a malicious application from interacting with the application.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2019
    Publication date: December 9, 2021
    Inventor: David K. Ford