Stealing personal information from someone's computer can be compared to breaking into a lock. In cyber-world, this lock is called a Windows Operating System, and it's coded by programmers to protect your personal data from hackers.
The core problem that arises is when hackers find a way around these locks, causing the breach of sensitive information. A recently filed patent, US11742041B2, by Microsoft Technology Licensing, hints at an innovative solution to mitigate this issue.
Breaking into a lock usually requires a few wrong attempts. Microsoft's new method counts these attempts, be they right or wrong. If an intruder tries to meddle too many times, the system will toughen the lock, making it even more difficult to penetrate. And if the attacker tries to reset the counter thinking they can trick the system, it recognizes this deceit and stiffens the lock even more.
But what if the lock is too expensive to maintain? Fuses, or what could be equivalents of keys for cyber-locks, aren't cheap to make or allocate in large quantities. It's also hard to keep check of the blown fuses we already have. The genius behind this patent is that it chooses to be tight-fisted with fuse usage, making it financially viable whilst also maintaining security.
But how does this apply to your everyday Windows 10 user? Imagine sitting in a coffee shop, working on your latest deck on your laptop, leaving it unattended for a moment to respond to nature's call. By the time you return, a daydreaming hacker sitting next to you could have tried launching an unauthorized entry into your system. But oh, the look of surprise on his face, when instead of accessing your private information, he is met with an impenetrable lock.
In a rapidly digitizing world, data theft has become the silent, invisible thief that doesn't physically rob you but has the potential to cause unprecedented damage. Inventions like the one described in this patent can help create a more secure cyber-world. A world where our fears of data theft from lone hacker, corporate espionage, or even state-sponsored attacks could be a thing of the past.
P.S: While all this sounds promising, it is essential to note that this is based on a patent, US11742041B2. Patents, by nature, are simply detailed explanations of new inventions and do not guarantee that the proposed product will see the light of the day. It lays the foundation for something potentially path-breaking, but it shouldn't be taken as a promise of a fortified fortress of cybersecurity just yet.