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image/svg+xml Jakob Voss, based on art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina and Beao Closed Access logo, derived from PLoS Open Access logo. This version with transparent background. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Closed_Access_logo_transparent.svg Jakob Voss, based on art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina and Beao Computers & Securityarrow_drop_down
image/svg+xml Jakob Voss, based on art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina and Beao Closed Access logo, derived from PLoS Open Access logo. This version with transparent background. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Closed_Access_logo_transparent.svg Jakob Voss, based on art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina and Beao
Computers & Security
Article . 2012 . Peer-reviewed
License: Elsevier TDM
Data sources: Crossref
DBLP
Article . 2023
Data sources: DBLP
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Bypassing information leakage protection with trusted applications

Authors: Jorge Blasco Alís; Julio César Hernández Castro; Juan E. Tapiador; Arturo Ribagorda;

Bypassing information leakage protection with trusted applications

Abstract

Insider threats are an increasing concern for most modern organizations. Information leakage is one of the most important insider threats, particularly according to its potential financial impact. Data Leakage Protection (DLP) systems have been developed to tackle this issue and they constitute the main solution to protect information systems against leaks. They work by tracking sensitive information flows and monitoring executed applications to ensure that sensitive information is not leaving the organization. However, current DLP systems do not fully consider that trusted applications represent a threat to sensitive information confidentiality. In this paper, we demonstrate how to use common trusted applications to evade current DLP systems. Thanks to its wide range, trusted applications such as Microsoft Excel can be transformed into standardized block ciphers. Information can thus be encrypted in such a way that current DLP techniques cannot detect that sensitive information is being leaked. This method could be used by non-skilled malicious insiders and leaves almost no traces. We have successfully tested our method against a well-known DLP solution from a commercial provider (TrendMicro LeakProof). Finally, we also analyze the proposed evasion technique from the malicious insider point of view and discuss some possible countermeasures to mitigate its use to steal information.

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    selected citations
    These citations are derived from selected sources.
    This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
    9
    popularity
    This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
    Average
    influence
    This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
    Top 10%
    impulse
    This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
    Top 10%
Powered by OpenAIRE graph
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selected citations
These citations are derived from selected sources.
This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Citations provided by BIP!
popularity
This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Popularity provided by BIP!
influence
This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Influence provided by BIP!
impulse
This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Impulse provided by BIP!
9
Average
Top 10%
Top 10%
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