Patents by Inventor Gregory D. Hartrell
Gregory D. Hartrell 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).
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Patent number: 9910981Abstract: A malware analysis system for automating cause and effect analysis of malware infections is provided. The malware analysis system monitors and records computer system activities. Upon being informed of a suspected malware infection, the malware analysis system creates a time-bounded snapshot of the monitored activities that were conducted within a time frame prior to the notification of the suspected malware infection. The malware analysis system may also create a time-bounded snapshot of the monitored activities that are conducted within a time frame subsequent to the notification of the suspected malware infection. The malware analysis system provides the created snapshot or snapshots for further analysis.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2014Date of Patent: March 6, 2018Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLCInventors: Gregory D. Hartrell, David J. Steeves, Efim Hudis
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Patent number: 9904912Abstract: Technology is described for protecting transactions. The technology may include a switching component that a user can employ to switch an associated mobile device into a secure mode so that a user can confirm the transaction. After initiating a transaction request, the user can confirm the transaction request by activating the switching component, which can cause the mobile device to switch into a secure mode. In the secure mode, the mobile device may prevent the mobile device from conducting various normal activities, such as executing applications, receiving input, providing output, and so forth. The switching component may disable other processing temporarily. Upon receiving the confirmation from the user, the switching component may send a confirmation communication to complete the transaction.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2015Date of Patent: February 27, 2018Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLCInventors: David J. Steeves, Kim Cameron, Todd L. Carpenter, David Foster, Quentin S. Miller, Gregory D. Hartrell
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Patent number: 9886578Abstract: A malware analysis system for automating cause and effect analysis of malware infections is provided. The malware analysis system monitors and records computer system activities. Upon being informed of a suspected malware infection, the malware analysis system creates a time-bounded snapshot of the monitored activities that were conducted within a time frame prior to the notification of the suspected malware infection. The malware analysis system may also create a time-bounded snapshot of the monitored activities that are conducted within a time frame subsequent to the notification of the suspected malware infection. The malware analysis system provides the created snapshot or snapshots for further analysis.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2014Date of Patent: February 6, 2018Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLCInventors: Gregory D. Hartrell, David J. Steeves, Efim Hudis
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Publication number: 20150269537Abstract: Technology is described for protecting transactions. The technology may include a switching component that a user can employ to switch an associated mobile device into a secure mode so that a user can confirm the transaction. After initiating a transaction request, the user can confirm the transaction request by activating the switching component, which can cause the mobile device to switch into a secure mode. In the secure mode, the mobile device may prevent the mobile device from conducting various normal activities, such as executing applications, receiving input, providing output, and so forth. The switching component may disable other processing temporarily. Upon receiving the confirmation from the user, the switching component may send a confirmation communication to complete the transaction.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 3, 2015Publication date: September 24, 2015Inventors: David J. Steeves, Kim Cameron, Todd L. Carpenter, David Foster, Quentin S. Miller, Gregory D. Hartrell
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Patent number: 9065812Abstract: Technology is described for protecting transactions. The technology may include a switching component that a user can employ to switch an associated mobile device into a secure mode so that a user can confirm the transaction. After initiating a transaction request, the user can confirm the transaction request by activating the switching component, which can cause the mobile device to switch into a secure mode. In the secure mode, the mobile device may prevent the mobile device from conducting various normal activities, such as executing applications, receiving input, providing output, and so forth. The switching component may disable other processing temporarily. Upon receiving the confirmation from the user, the switching component may send a confirmation communication to complete the transaction.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2009Date of Patent: June 23, 2015Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLCInventors: David J. Steeves, Kim Cameron, Todd L. Carpenter, David Foster, Quentin S. Miller, Gregory D. Hartrell
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Publication number: 20150101010Abstract: A malware analysis system for automating cause and effect analysis of malware infections is provided. The malware analysis system monitors and records computer system activities. Upon being informed of a suspected malware infection, the malware analysis system creates a time-bounded snapshot of the monitored activities that were conducted within a time frame prior to the notification of the suspected malware infection. The malware analysis system may also create a time-bounded snapshot of the monitored activities that are conducted within a time frame subsequent to the notification of the suspected malware infection. The malware analysis system provides the created snapshot or snapshots for further analysis.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2014Publication date: April 9, 2015Inventors: Gregory D. Hartrell, David J. Steeves, Efim Hudis
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Patent number: 8955134Abstract: A malware analysis system for automating cause and effect analysis of malware infections is provided. The malware analysis system monitors and records computer system activities. Upon being informed of a suspected malware infection, the malware analysis system creates a time-bounded snapshot of the monitored activities that were conducted within a time frame prior to the notification of the suspected malware infection. The malware analysis system may also create a time-bounded snapshot of the monitored activities that are conducted within a time frame subsequent to the notification of the suspected malware infection. The malware analysis system provides the created snapshot or snapshots for further analysis.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2012Date of Patent: February 10, 2015Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Gregory D. Hartrell, David J. Steeves, Efim Hudis
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Patent number: 8955135Abstract: A malware analysis system for automating cause and effect analysis of malware infections is provided. The malware analysis system monitors and records computer system activities. Upon being informed of a suspected malware infection, the malware analysis system creates a time-bounded snapshot of the monitored activities that were conducted within a time frame prior to the notification of the suspected malware infection. The malware analysis system may also create a time-bounded snapshot of the monitored activities that are conducted within a time frame subsequent to the notification of the suspected malware infection. The malware analysis system provides the created snapshot or snapshots for further analysis.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2012Date of Patent: February 10, 2015Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Gregory D. Hartrell, David J. Steeves, Efim Hudis
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Publication number: 20150013007Abstract: A malware analysis system for automating cause and effect analysis of malware infections is provided. The malware analysis system monitors and records computer system activities. Upon being informed of a suspected malware infection, the malware analysis system creates a time-bounded snapshot of the monitored activities that were conducted within a time frame prior to the notification of the suspected malware infection. The malware analysis system may also create a time-bounded snapshot of the monitored activities that are conducted within a time frame subsequent to the notification of the suspected malware infection. The malware analysis system provides the created snapshot or snapshots for further analysis.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2014Publication date: January 8, 2015Inventors: Gregory D. Hartrell, David J. Steeves, Efim Hudis
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Patent number: 8667581Abstract: A method and system for detecting and stopping malware propagation using false resource entries is provided. A detection system uses trap door entries that are intentionally inserted into resource location stores to detect resource misuse. A “trap door” is a false resource that can be monitored by the detection system. The detection system monitors trapdoor entries that have been intentionally inserted into resource location stores, and looks for signs of use. The detection system can then determine whether a detected use of a trap door entry is a misuse of the trap door entry, and upon declaring a misuse of the trap door entry, the detection system can appropriately respond to the misuse.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2006Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: David J. Steeves, Gregory D. Hartrell
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Strategies for investigating and mitigating vulnerabilities caused by the acquisition of credentials
Patent number: 8380841Abstract: A strategy is described for assessing and mitigating vulnerabilities within a data processing environment. The strategy collects access data that reflects actual log-in behavior exhibited by users in the environment. The strategy also collects rights data that reflects the rights possessed by one or more administrators within the environment. Based on the access data and rights data, the strategy identifies how a user or other entity that gains access to one part of the environment can potentially compromise additional parts of the environment. The strategy can recommend and implement steps aimed at reducing any identified vulnerabilities.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2006Date of Patent: February 19, 2013Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: John Dunagan, Gregory D. Hartrell, Daniel R. Simon -
Publication number: 20120144490Abstract: A malware analysis system for automating cause and effect analysis of malware infections is provided. The malware analysis system monitors and records computer system activities. Upon being informed of a suspected malware infection, the malware analysis system creates a time-bounded snapshot of the monitored activities that were conducted within a time frame prior to the notification of the suspected malware infection. The malware analysis system may also create a time-bounded snapshot of the monitored activities that are conducted within a time frame subsequent to the notification of the suspected malware infection. The malware analysis system provides the created snapshot or snapshots for further analysis.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 8, 2012Publication date: June 7, 2012Applicant: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Gregory D. Hartrell, David J. Steeves, Efim Hudis
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Publication number: 20120137342Abstract: A malware analysis system for automating cause and effect analysis of malware infections is provided. The malware analysis system monitors and records computer system activities. Upon being informed of a suspected malware infection, the malware analysis system creates a time-bounded snapshot of the monitored activities that were conducted within a time frame prior to the notification of the suspected malware infection. The malware analysis system may also create a time-bounded snapshot of the monitored activities that are conducted within a time frame subsequent to the notification of the suspected malware infection. The malware analysis system provides the created snapshot or snapshots for further analysis.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 8, 2012Publication date: May 31, 2012Applicant: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Gregory D. Hartrell, David J. Steeves, Efim Hudis
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Patent number: 8117659Abstract: A malware analysis system for automating cause and effect analysis of malware infections is provided. The malware analysis system monitors and records computer system activities. Upon being informed of a suspected malware infection, the malware analysis system creates a time-bounded snapshot of the monitored activities that were conducted within a time frame prior to the notification of the suspected malware infection. The malware analysis system may also create a time-bounded snapshot of the monitored activities that are conducted within a time frame subsequent to the notification of the suspected malware infection. The malware analysis system provides the created snapshot or snapshots for further analysis.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2005Date of Patent: February 14, 2012Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Gregory D. Hartrell, David J. Steeves, Efim Hudis
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Patent number: 7933413Abstract: Key exchanges between peer-to-peer devices can be vulnerable to man in the middle attacks. Verification of the key exchanges can be made on a channel, network and/or device different from the channel, network and/or device used for the key exchange to determine whether the key exchange was secure. Verification of the key exchange can also be made through an established and trusted device and/or entity. If the key exchange was secure, the parties to a communication utilizing the key(s) exchanged can be notified, if desired. If the key exchange was not secure, the parties can be notified and the communication can be selectively disconnected.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2007Date of Patent: April 26, 2011Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: David J. Steeves, Gregory D. Hartrell, Ryan M. Burkhardt, Jason L. Cohen
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Patent number: 7913292Abstract: A unique system and method that facilitates visually identifying authentic UI objects, bundles, or windows is provided. A detection component can detect when user-based input has activated a verification mode with respect to one or more trusted UI objects rendered on-screen. A verification component can verify at least one of a source and identity associated with one or more UI objects in order to ensure the integrity related therewith. A verification rendering engine can re-render the one or more trusted UI objects in a manner that is based at least upon whether the one or more trusted UI objects are verified, thus improving visual recognition of verified trusted UI objects over non-verified UI objects.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2006Date of Patent: March 22, 2011Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Gregory D. Hartrell, David J. Steeves
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Patent number: 7779465Abstract: A system and method for distributed peer attack alerting is disclosed. The method includes accessing a peer community wherein the peer community comprises a plurality of nodes comprising a network and wherein at least one of the plurality of nodes comprises an attack identifier. The method further includes identifying an attack at one of the plurality of nodes. In addition, the method includes transmitting an alert to the plurality of nodes, the alert comprising information associated with the attack and automatically configuring at least one attack identifier associated with one of the plurality of nodes in response to the alert.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2006Date of Patent: August 17, 2010Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Arthur H. Baker, Gregory D. Hartrell, Carl Ellison
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Publication number: 20100029371Abstract: A Personal Game Services Commerce System is disclosed. The system allows a user to contract with another user to perform service within a virtual environment. The services may include operating in a virtual environment on behalf of another user, operating as a team member, or operating as an opponent in competition. Memory state may be copied and used by the service-providing user. The user requesting the service may confirm that the service has been satisfactorily rendered before making the copied memory state permanent and/or before paying for the service. Users may select service-providing users based on any available criteria. Funds to pay for the service may be frozen while the service is being performed and until the recipient of the service confirms successful performance of the service.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 1, 2008Publication date: February 4, 2010Inventors: Gennady Medvinsky, Gregory D. Hartrell, Patrick W. O'Kelley, II
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PLATFORM INDEPENDENT ECOSYSTEM FOR CREATION, CONSUMPTION AND TRADE OF USER-GENERATED DIGITAL CONTENT
Publication number: 20090327094Abstract: A platform (e.g. game console) and application (e.g. game title) independent ecosystem for the creation, consumption and trade of user generated digital content permits any application operating on any platform to participate in a market driven economy for user generated digital objects (UGDOs). The trading system is independent of (i.e. external to) all participating applications. A metadata attribution method for UGDOs in combination with heterogeneous application support through well-defined interfaces facilitates unlimited participation. Attributed metadata may be understood and consumed across platforms and applications. Flexible UGDO rights enforcement techniques in combination with a flexible fair exchange service for those rights support all manner of UGDOs and commercial transactions therefore. Participating application may provide rights enforcement in some instances. The nature of enforcement may rest on the nature of UGDO content, rights in UGDOs or author preferences.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2008Publication date: December 31, 2009Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATIONInventors: Jean-Emile Elien, Ling Tony Chen, Ryan B. Cooper, Shyam Krishnamoorthy, Gennady Medvinsky, Gregory D. Hartrell, Ramesh Nagarajan -
Patent number: 7620987Abstract: A method and system for obfuscating computer code of a program to protect it from the adverse effects of malware is provided. The obfuscation system retrieves an executable form of the computer code. The obfuscation system then selects various obfuscation techniques to use in obfuscating the computer code. The obfuscation system applies the selected obfuscation techniques to the computer code. The obfuscation system then causes the obfuscated computer code to execute.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2005Date of Patent: November 17, 2009Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Art Shelest, Gregory D. Hartrell