Extensible and flexible electronic information tracking systems and methods
View Patent ↗A method and system for tracking electronic information includes the steps of: encrypting an electronic file stored on a hardware storage device; attaching or incorporating with the file a standalone executable program that implements a request for a decryption key accompanied by tracking information when an attempt is made to access the file; verifying the tracking information by a central processing unit; if the tracking information is verified as acceptable, providing the decryption key; and if the tracking information is not verified as acceptable, modifying the file to include a record of the failed attempt to access the file and the tracking information, and storing said modified file on the hardware storage device.
1. A method for tracking electronic information comprising:
encrypting an electronic file stored on a hardware storage device;
attaching or incorporating with the file a standalone executable program that implements a request for a decryption key accompanied by tracking information when an attempt is made to access the file;
verifying the tracking information by a central processing unit;
if the tracking information is verified as acceptable, providing the decryption key; and
if the tracking information is not verified as acceptable, modifying the file to include a record of the failed attempt to access the file and the tracking information, and storing said modified file on the hardware storage device.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the tracking information contains the geographic location of the hardware storage device.
3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the geographic location of the hardware storage device is obtained through the use of a global positioning system.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the tracking information contains personal identity information of a user attempting to access the file.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the tracking information contains an indication of any modifications made to the file.
6. A hardware storage device comprising:
an electronic data file stored thereon; and
a standalone executable program stored thereon that implements a request for a decryption key accompanied by tracking information when an attempt is made to access the electronic data file;
the hardware storage device being operationally linked to a computer system configured to perform the steps of:
encrypting the electronic data file stored on the hardware storage device;
executing the standalone executable program by a central processing unit to request a decryption key accompanied by tracking information when an attempt is made to access the electronic data file;
verifying the tracking information by the central processing unit;
if the tracking information is verified as acceptable, providing the decryption key; and
if the tracking information is not verified as acceptable, modifying the file to include a record of the failed attempt to access the file and the tracking information, and storing said modified file on the hardware storage device.
7. The hardware storage device of claim 6 , wherein the tracking information contains the geographic location of the hardware storage device.
8. The hardware storage device of claim 7 , wherein the geographic location of the hardware storage device is obtained through the use of a global positioning system.
9. The hardware storage device of claim 6 , wherein the tracking information contains personal identity information of a user attempting to access the file.
10. The hardware storage device of claim 6 , wherein the tracking information contains an indications of any modifications made to the file.