US6298445B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Computer security
Assignee: Gen Digital Inc
•
Filing: 1998-04-30
•
Granted: 2001-10-02
•
Expires: 2018-04-30
Abstract
Abstract In one aspect, the invention relates to automatically providing enhancements to computer security software whenever the enhancement becomes available. In another aspect, the invention relates to an integrated system for assessing security vulnerabilities of a computer and/or a computer network.
Inventors
- 👤 Adam Shostack
- 👤 David Allouch
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 17:01
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04L; H04L63/00; H04L63/12; G; G06; G06F; G06F21/00; G06F21/50; G06F21/57; G06F21/577; H04L63/14; H04L63/1408; H04L63/1416
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 15
Claim 1
Independent Claim
108 words
An integrated system for assessing vulnerabilities, comprising: a database of security vulnerabilities; a first module for accessing the database and for assessing security vulnerabilities of an operating system of a computer; a second module for accessing the database and for assessing security vulnerabilities of a computer network that includes the computer; a third module for accessing the database and for assessing security vulnerabilities in passwords used to access the computer or the network; a fourth module for accessing the database and for assessing security vulnerabilities of a remote computer connected to the network; and a fifth module for receiving an update to the database and updating the database.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
108 words
An integrated system for assessing vulnerabilities, comprising: a database of security vulnerabilities; a first module for accessing the database and for assessing security vulnerabilities of an operating system of a computer; a second module for accessing the database and for assessing security vulnerabilities of a computer network that includes the computer; a third module for accessing the database and for assessing security vulnerabilities in passwords used to access the computer or the network; a fourth module for accessing the database and for assessing security vulnerabilities of a remote computer connected to the network; and a fifth module for receiving an update to the database and updating the database.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
The integrated system of claim 1 wherein the first module determines permissions of the operating system.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
21 words
The integrated system of claim 1 wherein the first module determines whether predetermined changes have been made to the operating system.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
The integrated system of claim 1 wherein the second module connects to a network service and accepts information from the service.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
19 words
The integrated system of claim 1 wherein the second module connects to a network service and interrogates the service.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
22 words
The integrated system of claim 1 wherein the third module checks whether the words in a list have been used as passwords.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
26 words
The integrated system of claim 1 wherein the fourth module allows the remote computer to connect to a network service and accepts information from the service.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
24 words
The integrated system of claim 1 wherein the fourth module allows the remote computer to connect to a network service and interrogate the service.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
19 words
The integrated system of claim 1 wherein the fifth module also checks the authenticity and integrity of the update.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
23 words
The integrated system of claim 9 wherein the fifth module employs a cryptographic technique to check the authenticity and integrity of the update.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
14 words
The integrated system of claim 10 wherein the cryptographic technique comprises a digital signature.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
21 words
The integrated system of claim 1 wherein the fifth module receives the update after a request is made for the update.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
19 words
The integrated system of claim 1 wherein the fifth module receives the update automatically whenever the update becomes available.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
20 words
The integrated system of claim 1 wherein a sixth module is a communications module for communicating with a similar system.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2004-10-01 | 2005-04-02 | 2005-10-02 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2008-10-01 | 2009-04-02 | 2009-10-02 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2012-10-01 | 2013-04-02 | 2013-10-02 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |