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).

  • Patent number: 9910981
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Gregory D. Hartrell, David J. Steeves, Efim Hudis
  • Patent number: 9904912
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: David J. Steeves, Kim Cameron, Todd L. Carpenter, David Foster, Quentin S. Miller, Gregory D. Hartrell
  • Patent number: 9886578
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Gregory D. Hartrell, David J. Steeves, Efim Hudis
  • Publication number: 20150269537
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2015
    Publication date: September 24, 2015
    Inventors: David J. Steeves, Kim Cameron, Todd L. Carpenter, David Foster, Quentin S. Miller, Gregory D. Hartrell
  • Patent number: 9065812
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: David J. Steeves, Kim Cameron, Todd L. Carpenter, David Foster, Quentin S. Miller, Gregory D. Hartrell
  • Publication number: 20150101010
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventors: Gregory D. Hartrell, David J. Steeves, Efim Hudis
  • Patent number: 8955134
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory D. Hartrell, David J. Steeves, Efim Hudis
  • Patent number: 8955135
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory D. Hartrell, David J. Steeves, Efim Hudis
  • Publication number: 20150013007
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventors: Gregory D. Hartrell, David J. Steeves, Efim Hudis
  • Patent number: 8667581
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: David J. Steeves, Gregory D. Hartrell
  • Patent number: 8380841
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: John Dunagan, Gregory D. Hartrell, Daniel R. Simon
  • Publication number: 20120144490
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2012
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory D. Hartrell, David J. Steeves, Efim Hudis
  • Publication number: 20120137342
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2012
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory D. Hartrell, David J. Steeves, Efim Hudis
  • Patent number: 8117659
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory D. Hartrell, David J. Steeves, Efim Hudis
  • Patent number: 7933413
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: David J. Steeves, Gregory D. Hartrell, Ryan M. Burkhardt, Jason L. Cohen
  • Patent number: 7913292
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory D. Hartrell, David J. Steeves
  • Patent number: 7779465
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Arthur H. Baker, Gregory D. Hartrell, Carl Ellison
  • Publication number: 20100029371
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2008
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Inventors: Gennady Medvinsky, Gregory D. Hartrell, Patrick W. O'Kelley, II
  • Publication number: 20090327094
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jean-Emile Elien, Ling Tony Chen, Ryan B. Cooper, Shyam Krishnamoorthy, Gennady Medvinsky, Gregory D. Hartrell, Ramesh Nagarajan
  • Patent number: 7620987
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Art Shelest, Gregory D. Hartrell