Patent ID: 12229317

Throughout the drawings, identical reference characters and descriptions indicate similar, but not necessarily identical, elements. While the example embodiments described herein are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. However, the example embodiments described herein are not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the present disclosure covers all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

The present disclosure is generally directed to systems and methods for protecting user data privacy against web tracking on Wi-Fi captive portals. As will be explained in greater detail below, by examining Wi-Fi connection telemetry data generated by wireless access points when a user connects to a hotspot, the systems and methods described herein may detect domains identifying captive portals (e.g., by identifying domains that are frequently present following user connections to a certain basic service set identifier (BSSID)). Furthermore, upon identifying the captive portal domains, the systems and methods described herein may access collected on-demand data privacy telemetry to identify web tracking behaviors detected for the captive portal domains to detect a number of associated web trackers. Finally, the systems and methods described herein may determine a captive portal privacy score based on the number of web trackers and the level of risk (i.e., high, medium, or low) associated with each web tracker. By determining data privacy risks for captive portals in this way, the systems and methods described herein may provide users with privacy risks associated with identified web trackers (i.e., utilizing a visual indicator to represent a level of risk associated with using a particular captive portal) as well as identifying specific tracking actions (e.g., fingerprinting) performed by web trackers. In addition, the systems and methods described herein may improve computer network security by alerting users to the presence of web trackers configured to obtain their private data during web browsing sessions initiated on captive portals, thereby enabling these users to avoid accessing these portals so that they may seek alternative access options for conducting web browsing activities while maintaining user data privacy.

The following will provide, with reference toFIGS.1-2, detailed descriptions of example systems for protecting user data privacy against web tracking on Wi-Fi captive portals. Detailed descriptions of corresponding computer-implemented methods will also be provided in connection withFIGS.3-5. In addition, detailed descriptions of an example computing system and network architecture capable of implementing one or more of the embodiments described herein will be provided in connection withFIGS.6and7, respectively.

FIG.1is a block diagram of an example system100for protecting user data privacy against web tracking on Wi-Fi captive portals. As illustrated in this figure, example system100may include one or more modules102for performing one or more tasks. As will be explained in greater detail below, modules102may include a detection module104that detects telemetry data114generated from establishing a connection with a network access device associated with a captive portal116. Example system100may additionally include a determining module106that determines, based on telemetry data114, target domains118associated with a service set identifier assigned to the network access device. Example system100may also include an analysis module108that analyzes web tracking behavior data122associated with target domains118to identify web trackers on a captive portal116for a dataset of potential users. Example system100may additionally include a risk score module110that calculates a privacy risk score124associated with the web trackers on a captive portal116. Example system100may also include a security module112that performs a security action that protects against a potential invasion of user data privacy by presenting a privacy risk score notification associated with the web trackers on a captive portal116. Although illustrated as separate elements, one or more of modules102inFIG.1may represent portions of a single module or application.

In certain embodiments, one or more of modules102inFIG.1may represent one or more software applications or programs that, when executed by a computing device, may cause the computing device to perform one or more tasks. For example, and as will be described in greater detail below, one or more of modules102may represent modules stored and configured to run on one or more computing devices, such as the devices illustrated inFIG.2(e.g., computing device202). One or more of modules102inFIG.1may also represent all or portions of one or more special-purpose computers configured to perform one or more tasks.

As illustrated inFIG.1, example system100may also include one or more memory devices, such as memory140. Memory140generally represents any type or form of volatile or non-volatile storage device or medium capable of storing data and/or computer-readable instructions. In one example, memory140may store, load, and/or maintain one or more of modules102. Examples of memory140include, without limitation, Random Access Memory (RAM), Read Only Memory (ROM), flash memory, Hard Disk Drives (HDDs), Solid-State Drives (SSDs), optical disk drives, caches, variations or combinations of one or more of the same, and/or any other suitable storage memory.

As illustrated inFIG.1, example system100may also include one or more physical processors, such as physical processor130. Physical processor130generally represents any type or form of hardware-implemented processing unit capable of interpreting and/or executing computer-readable instructions. In one example, physical processor130may access and/or modify one or more of modules102stored in memory140. Additionally or alternatively, physical processor130may execute one or more of modules102to facilitate protecting user data privacy against web tracking on Wi-Fi captive portals. Examples of physical processor130include, without limitation, microprocessors, microcontrollers, Central Processing Units (CPUs), Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) that implement softcore processors, Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), portions of one or more of the same, variations or combinations of one or more of the same, and/or any other suitable physical processor.

As illustrated inFIG.1, example system100may also include a data storage120for storing data. In one example, data storage120may store telemetry data114, data identifying captive portals116, data identifying target domains118, web tracking behavior data122, and privacy risk score124.

Example system100inFIG.1may be implemented in a variety of ways. For example, all or a portion of example system100may represent portions of example system200inFIG.2. As shown inFIG.2, system200may include a computing device202in communication with a network access device206(e.g., a hotspot), a security server212, and a client device216via a network204. In one example, all or a portion of the functionality of modules102may be performed by computing device202and/or any other suitable computing system. As will be described in greater detail below, one or more of modules102fromFIG.1may, when executed by at least one processor of computing device202, enable computing device202to protect user data privacy against web tracking on Wi-Fi captive portals.

For example, detection module104may detect telemetry data114generated from establishing a connection with network access device206associated with a captive portal116. Then, determining module106may determine, based on telemetry data114, target domains118associated with a service set identifier208assigned to network access device206. Next, analysis module108may analyze web tracking behavior data122(e.g., by querying web tracking service telemetry214on security server212) associated with target domains118to identify web trackers210on a captive portal116for a dataset of potential users associated with client devices (e.g., client device216). Then, risk score module110may calculate privacy risk score124associated with web trackers210on a captive portal116. Finally, security module112may perform a security action that protects against a potential invasion of user data privacy by presenting a privacy risk score notification (e.g., a notification218and/or a visual indicator220on client device216) associated with web trackers210on a captive portal116.

The term “captive portal,” as used herein, generally refers to a web page accessed with a web browser that is displayed to newly connected users of a Wi-Fi hotspot before they are granted broader access to network resources (i.e., the Internet). In some examples, captive portals may be utilized to present a landing or log-in page which may require authentication, payment, acceptance of an end-user license agreement, acceptable use policy, survey completion, or other valid credentials that both the host and user agree to adhere by.

The term “web tracker,” as used herein, generally refers to third-party executable program code loaded by a browser from external websites, that appears on web pages as content for viewing by a user. Upon being loaded by a browser, a web tracker may generate tracking data (e.g., an Internet tracking cookie) as well as access previous tracking data, saved by the browser, corresponding to a user's browsing activity on a website.

Computing device202generally represents any type or form of computing device capable of reading and executing computer-executable instructions. In some examples, computing device202may be a security server configured to perform threat protection services during web browsing activities, such as identifying and/or blocking web trackers. Additional examples of computing device202include, without limitation, application servers, web servers, storage servers, and/or database servers configured to run certain software applications and/or provide various security, web, storage, and/or database services. Although illustrated as a single entity inFIG.2, computing device202may include and/or represent a plurality of servers that work and/or operate in conjunction with one another. For example, computing device202may work and/or operate in conjunction with security server212that may be configured to store web tracking service telemetry214.

Client device206generally represents any type or form of computing device capable of reading computer-executable instructions. In some examples, client device206may be an endpoint device running client-side security software. Additional examples of computing device206include, without limitation, laptops, tablets, desktops, servers, cellular phones, Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), multimedia players, embedded systems, wearable devices (e.g., smart watches, smart glasses, etc.), smart vehicles, smart packaging (e.g., active or intelligent packaging), gaming consoles, so-called Internet-of-Things devices (e.g., smart appliances, etc.), variations or combinations of one or more of the same, and/or any other suitable computing device.

Network204generally represents any medium or architecture capable of facilitating communication or data transfer. In one example, network204may facilitate communication between computing device202, network access device206, security server212, and client device216. In this example, network204may facilitate communication or data transfer using wireless and/or wired connections. Examples of network204include, without limitation, an intranet, a Wide Area Network (WAN), a Local Area Network (LAN), a Personal Area Network (PAN), the Internet, Power Line Communications (PLC), a cellular network (e.g., a Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) network), portions of one or more of the same, variations or combinations of one or more of the same, and/or any other suitable network.

FIG.3is a flow diagram of an example computer-implemented method300for protecting user data privacy against web tracking on Wi-Fi captive portals. The steps shown inFIG.3may be performed by any suitable computer-executable code and/or computing system, including system100inFIG.1, system200inFIG.2, and/or variations or combinations of one or more of the same. In one example, each of the steps shown inFIG.3may represent an algorithm whose structure includes and/or is represented by multiple sub-steps, examples of which will be provided in greater detail below.

As illustrated inFIG.3, at step302one or more of the systems described herein may detect telemetry data generated from establishing a connection with a network access device associated with a captive portal. For example, detection module104may, as part of computing device202inFIG.2, detect telemetry data114generated from establishing a connection with network access device206associated with a captive portal116.

Detection module104may detect telemetry data114in a variety of ways. In some examples, detection module104may detect a user connection (e.g., a wireless connection initiated from client device216) to network access device206. Then, detection module104may store connection data and a corresponding timestamp received from network access device206as telemetry data114.

At step304, one or more of the systems described herein may determine, based on the telemetry data, a target set of domains associated with a service set identifier assigned to the network access device. For example, determining module106may, as part of computing device202inFIG.2, determine target domains118associated with one or more service set identifiers208assigned to network access device206.

Determining module106may determine target domains118in a variety of ways which will now be described with respect toFIG.4which shows a flow diagram of an example computer-implemented method400. The steps shown inFIG.4may be performed by any suitable computer-executable code and/or computing system, including system100inFIG.1, system200inFIG.2, and/or variations or combinations of one or more of the same. In one example, each of the steps shown inFIG.4may represent an algorithm whose structure includes and/or is represented by multiple sub-steps, examples of which will be provided in greater detail below.

As illustrated inFIG.4, at step402one or more of the systems described herein may detect a candidate set of domains in post-connection data requests to a service set identifier208. For example, determining module106may, as part of computing device202inFIG.2, check data requests from network access device206generated after connecting to a group of client devices, the basic service set identifier (i.e., the BSSID or MAC address) assigned to network access device206, and the extended service set identifier (ESSID) assigned as the name of the wireless network utilized by network access device206. Then determining module106may detect a set of domains requested after connections for a group of customers (e.g., the first ten client device connections) to a certain BSSID. Upon detecting that a group of certain domains are present in most cases (e.g., 90% of the time), determining module106may identify these highly-accessed domains as the candidate set of domains.

At step404, one or more of the systems described herein may filter highly-accessed domains and domains externally loaded by third party resources from the candidate set of domains. For example, determining module106may, as part of computing device202inFIG.2, remove domains from the candidate set of domains detected at step402(e.g., worldwide or per country domains) as well as externally loaded third-party resources.

At step406, one or more of the systems described herein may group the remaining domains in the candidate set of domains by another service set identifier for a wireless network utilized by another network access device to determine the target set of domains. For example, determining module106may, as part of computing device202inFIG.2, group a set of additional network access devices by their ESSID/SSID to account for situations where there are many Wi-Fi hotspots run by the same operator in different locations.

Returning now toFIG.3, at step306, one or more of the systems described herein may analyze web tracking behavior data associated with the target set of domains to identify web trackers on the captive portal for a data set of potential users. For example, analysis module108may, as part of computing device202inFIG.2, analyze web tracking behavior data122to identify web trackers210on a captive portal116.

Analysis module108may analyze web tracking behavior data122in a variety of ways which will now be described with respect toFIG.5which shows a flow diagram of an example computer-implemented method500. The steps shown inFIG.5may be performed by any suitable computer-executable code and/or computing system, including system100inFIG.1, system200inFIG.2, and/or variations or combinations of one or more of the same. In one example, each of the steps shown inFIG.5may represent an algorithm whose structure includes and/or is represented by multiple sub-steps, examples of which will be provided in greater detail below.

As illustrated inFIG.5, at step502one or more of the systems described herein may communicate a query for on-demand telemetry detected by a web tracking service. For example, analysis module108may, as part of computing device202inFIG.2, communicate a query for web tracking service telemetry214to security server212to check how a captive portal116is behaving regarding privacy/web tracking. In some examples, the query may include target domains118, one or more locations associated with individuals accessing target domains118, and a timespan.

At step504one or more of the systems described herein may receive, in response to the query, a group of web tracking behaviors exhibited by a candidate list of web trackers based on the on-demand telemetry. For example, analysis module108may, as part of computing device202inFIG.2, receive web tracking behavior data122exhibited by web trackers210based on web tracking service telemetry214.

At step506one or more of the systems described herein may classify a set of the candidate list of web trackers appearing to a threshold number of potential users as the web trackers. For example, analysis module108may, as part of computing device202inFIG.2, only count (i.e., classify) web trackers210appearing to a majority of users (e.g., equal to or greater than 90%) of a captive portal116.

Returning now toFIG.3, at step308, one or more of the systems described herein may calculate a privacy risk score associated with the web trackers on the captive portal. For example, risk score module110may, as part of computing device202inFIG.2, calculate privacy risk score124associated with web trackers210on a captive portal116.

Risk score module110may calculate privacy score124in a variety of ways. In some examples, risk score module110may determine a risk value for each of a number of web trackers210based on web tracking behavior data122. Then, risk score module110may generate privacy risk score124based on which web trackers210share a common risk value.

In one example, risk score module110may assign numerical risk values corresponding to high-risk trackers (such as those performing browser fingerprinting of user browsing histories for the purpose of delivering targeted exploits), medium-risk trackers (such as cross-site cookies that collect user browsing histories for sending to third parties to deliver advertising), and low-risk trackers (such as Internet cookies designed to enable users to speed up website logins and save the contents of online shopping carts), based on web tracking behavior data122. For example, risk score module110may assign a numerical value of 3 to high-risk trackers, a numerical value of 2 to medium-risk trackers, and a numerical value of 1 to low-risk trackers. Continuing with this example, risk score module110may then multiply the number of trackers for a captive portal116by the risk value determined for each tracker, to calculate privacy risk score124. Thus, if a captive portal116has 4 high-risk trackers, its privacy risk score124would be 12 (i.e.,4trackers multiplied by 3 which is the risk value for each high-risk tracker). In some examples, risk score module110may also cluster hotpots (i.e., captive portals on multiple network access devices) into groups based on their calculated privacy risk scores with upper outliers being classified as having the worst score (i.e., where the highest privacy risk score shared by a group corresponds to the highest tracker risk).

At step310, one or more of the systems described herein may perform a security action that protects against a potential invasion of user data privacy by presenting a privacy risk score notification associated with the web trackers on the captive portal. For example, security module112may, as part of computing device202inFIG.2, generate notification218on client device216that may include displaying visual indicator220corresponding to privacy risk score124. In some examples, visual indicator220may utilize a color scheme to represent an associated privacy risk for a captive portal116(e.g., red for a portal having a score greater than 7, yellow for a portal having a score between 3 and 6, and green for a portal having a score between 1 and 3). In some examples, notification218may also include a warning describing web tracking behavior (such as fingerprinting) associated with web trackers210for a captive portal116. In other examples, visual indicator220may utilize a color scheme to also represent web tracking behavior practices (e.g., orange for fingerprinting) for a captive portal116.

As explained in connection with method300above, the systems and methods described herein provide for protecting user data privacy against web tracking on Wi-Fi captive portals. In particular, the systems and methods described herein may examine Wi-Fi connection telemetry data generated by wireless access points when a user connects to a hotspot to detect domains identifying captive portals (e.g., by identifying domains that are frequently present following user connections to a certain basic service set identifier (BSSID)). Furthermore, upon identifying the captive portal domains, the systems and methods described herein may access collected on-demand data privacy telemetry to identify web tracking behaviors detected for the captive portal domains to detect a number of associated web trackers. Finally, the systems and methods described herein may determine a captive portal privacy score based on the number of web trackers and the level of risk (i.e., high, medium, or low) associated with each web tracker. By determining data privacy risks for captive portals in this way, the systems and methods described herein may provide users with privacy risks associated with identified web trackers (i.e., utilizing a visual indicator to represent a level of risk associated with using a particular captive portal) as well as identifying specific tracking actions (e.g., fingerprinting) performed by web trackers.

FIG.6is a block diagram of an example computing system610capable of implementing one or more of the embodiments described and/or illustrated herein. For example, all or a portion of computing system610may perform and/or be a means for performing, either alone or in combination with other elements, one or more of the steps described herein (such as one or more of the steps illustrated inFIG.3). All or a portion of computing system610may also perform and/or be a means for performing any other steps, methods, or processes described and/or illustrated herein.

Computing system610broadly represents any single or multi-processor computing device or system capable of executing computer-readable instructions. Examples of computing system610include, without limitation, workstations, laptops, client-side terminals, servers, distributed computing systems, handheld devices, or any other computing system or device. In its most basic configuration, computing system610may include at least one processor614and a system memory616.

Processor614generally represents any type or form of physical processing unit (e.g., a hardware-implemented central processing unit) capable of processing data or interpreting and executing instructions. In certain embodiments, processor614may receive instructions from a software application or module. These instructions may cause processor614to perform the functions of one or more of the example embodiments described and/or illustrated herein.

System memory616generally represents any type or form of volatile or non-volatile storage device or medium capable of storing data and/or other computer-readable instructions. Examples of system memory616include, without limitation, Random Access Memory (RAM), Read Only Memory (ROM), flash memory, or any other suitable memory device. Although not required, in certain embodiments computing system610may include both a volatile memory unit (such as, for example, system memory616) and a non-volatile storage device (such as, for example, primary storage device632, as described in detail below). In one example, one or more of modules102fromFIG.1may be loaded into system memory616.

In some examples, system memory616may store and/or load an operating system640for execution by processor614. In one example, operating system640may include and/or represent software that manages computer hardware and software resources and/or provides common services to computer programs and/or applications on computing system610. Examples of operating system640include, without limitation, LINUX, JUNOS, MICROSOFT WINDOWS, WINDOWS MOBILE, MAC OS, APPLE'S IOS, UNIX, GOOGLE CHROME OS, GOOGLE'S ANDROID, SOLARIS, variations of one or more of the same, and/or any other suitable operating system.

In certain embodiments, example computing system610may also include one or more components or elements in addition to processor614and system memory616. For example, as illustrated inFIG.6, computing system610may include a memory controller618, an Input/Output (I/O) controller620, and a communication interface622, each of which may be interconnected via a communication infrastructure612. Communication infrastructure612generally represents any type or form of infrastructure capable of facilitating communication between one or more components of a computing device. Examples of communication infrastructure612include, without limitation, a communication bus (such as an Industry Standard Architecture (ISA), Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI), PCI Express (PCIe), or similar bus) and a network.

Memory controller618generally represents any type or form of device capable of handling memory or data or controlling communication between one or more components of computing system610. For example, in certain embodiments memory controller618may control communication between processor614, system memory616, and I/O controller620via communication infrastructure612.

I/O controller620generally represents any type or form of module capable of coordinating and/or controlling the input and output functions of a computing device. For example, in certain embodiments I/O controller620may control or facilitate transfer of data between one or more elements of computing system610, such as processor614, system memory616, communication interface622, display adapter626, input interface630, and storage interface634.

As illustrated inFIG.6, computing system610may also include at least one display device624coupled to I/O controller620via a display adapter626. Display device624generally represents any type or form of device capable of visually displaying information forwarded by display adapter626. Similarly, display adapter626generally represents any type or form of device configured to forward graphics, text, and other data from communication infrastructure612(or from a frame buffer, as known in the art) for display on display device624.

As illustrated inFIG.6, example computing system610may also include at least one input device628coupled to I/O controller620via an input interface630. Input device628generally represents any type or form of input device capable of providing input, either computer or human generated, to example computing system610. Examples of input device628include, without limitation, a keyboard, a pointing device, a speech recognition device, variations or combinations of one or more of the same, and/or any other input device.

Additionally or alternatively, example computing system610may include additional I/O devices. For example, example computing system610may include I/O device636. In this example, I/O device636may include and/or represent a user interface that facilitates human interaction with computing system610. Examples of I/O device636include, without limitation, a computer mouse, a keyboard, a monitor, a printer, a modem, a camera, a scanner, a microphone, a touchscreen device, variations or combinations of one or more of the same, and/or any other I/O device.

Communication interface622broadly represents any type or form of communication device or adapter capable of facilitating communication between example computing system610and one or more additional devices. For example, in certain embodiments communication interface622may facilitate communication between computing system610and a private or public network including additional computing systems. Examples of communication interface622include, without limitation, a wired network interface (such as a network interface card), a wireless network interface (such as a wireless network interface card), a modem, and any other suitable interface. In at least one embodiment, communication interface622may provide a direct connection to a remote server via a direct link to a network, such as the Internet. Communication interface622may also indirectly provide such a connection through, for example, a local area network (such as an Ethernet network), a personal area network, a telephone or cable network, a cellular telephone connection, a satellite data connection, or any other suitable connection.

In certain embodiments, communication interface622may also represent a host adapter configured to facilitate communication between computing system610and one or more additional network or storage devices via an external bus or communications channel. Examples of host adapters include, without limitation, Small Computer System Interface (SCSI) host adapters, Universal Serial Bus (USB) host adapters, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 1394 host adapters, Advanced Technology Attachment (ATA), Parallel ATA (PATA), Serial ATA (SATA), and External SATA (eSATA) host adapters, Fibre Channel interface adapters, Ethernet adapters, or the like. Communication interface622may also allow computing system610to engage in distributed or remote computing. For example, communication interface622may receive instructions from a remote device or send instructions to a remote device for execution.

In some examples, system memory616may store and/or load a network communication program638for execution by processor614. In one example, network communication program638may include and/or represent software that enables computing system610to establish a network connection642with another computing system (not illustrated inFIG.6) and/or communicate with the other computing system by way of communication interface622. In this example, network communication program638may direct the flow of outgoing traffic that is sent to the other computing system via network connection642. Additionally or alternatively, network communication program638may direct the processing of incoming traffic that is received from the other computing system via network connection642in connection with processor614.

Although not illustrated in this way inFIG.6, network communication program638may alternatively be stored and/or loaded in communication interface622. For example, network communication program638may include and/or represent at least a portion of software and/or firmware that is executed by a processor and/or Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) incorporated in communication interface622.

As illustrated inFIG.6, example computing system610may also include a primary storage device632and a backup storage device633coupled to communication infrastructure612via a storage interface634. Storage devices632and633generally represent any type or form of storage device or medium capable of storing data and/or other computer-readable instructions. For example, storage devices632and633may be a magnetic disk drive (e.g., a so-called hard drive), a solid state drive, a floppy disk drive, a magnetic tape drive, an optical disk drive, a flash drive, or the like. Storage interface634generally represents any type or form of interface or device for transferring data between storage devices632and633and other components of computing system610. In one example, data storage120fromFIG.1may be stored and/or loaded in primary storage device632.

In certain embodiments, storage devices632and633may be configured to read from and/or write to a removable storage unit configured to store computer software, data, or other computer-readable information. Examples of suitable removable storage units include, without limitation, a floppy disk, a magnetic tape, an optical disk, a flash memory device, or the like. Storage devices632and633may also include other similar structures or devices for allowing computer software, data, or other computer-readable instructions to be loaded into computing system610. For example, storage devices632and633may be configured to read and write software, data, or other computer-readable information. Storage devices632and633may also be a part of computing system610or may be a separate device accessed through other interface systems.

Many other devices or subsystems may be connected to computing system610. Conversely, all of the components and devices illustrated inFIG.6need not be present to practice the embodiments described and/or illustrated herein. The devices and subsystems referenced above may also be interconnected in different ways from that shown inFIG.6. Computing system610may also employ any number of software, firmware, and/or hardware configurations. For example, one or more of the example embodiments disclosed herein may be encoded as a computer program (also referred to as computer software, software applications, computer-readable instructions, or computer control logic) on a computer-readable medium. The term “computer-readable medium,” as used herein, generally refers to any form of device, carrier, or medium capable of storing or carrying computer-readable instructions. Examples of computer-readable media include, without limitation, transmission-type media, such as carrier waves, and non-transitory-type media, such as magnetic-storage media (e.g., hard disk drives, tape drives, and floppy disks), optical-storage media (e.g., Compact Disks (CDs), Digital Video Disks (DVDs), and BLU-RAY disks), electronic-storage media (e.g., solid-state drives and flash media), and other distribution systems.

The computer-readable medium containing the computer program may be loaded into computing system610. All or a portion of the computer program stored on the computer-readable medium may then be stored in system memory616and/or various portions of storage devices632and633. When executed by processor614, a computer program loaded into computing system610may cause processor614to perform and/or be a means for performing the functions of one or more of the example embodiments described and/or illustrated herein. Additionally or alternatively, one or more of the example embodiments described and/or illustrated herein may be implemented in firmware and/or hardware. For example, computing system610may be configured as an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) adapted to implement one or more of the example embodiments disclosed herein.

FIG.7is a block diagram of an example network architecture700in which client systems710,720, and730and servers740and745may be coupled to a network750. As detailed above, all or a portion of network architecture700may perform and/or be a means for performing, either alone or in combination with other elements, one or more of the steps disclosed herein (such as one or more of the steps illustrated inFIG.3). All or a portion of network architecture700may also be used to perform and/or be a means for performing other steps and features set forth in the present disclosure.

Client systems710,720, and730generally represent any type or form of computing device or system, such as example computing system610inFIG.6. Similarly, servers740and745generally represent computing devices or systems, such as application servers or database servers, configured to provide various database services and/or run certain software applications. Network750generally represents any telecommunication or computer network including, for example, an intranet, a WAN, a LAN, a PAN, or the Internet. In one example, client systems710,720, and/or730and/or servers740and/or745may include all or a portion of system100fromFIG.1.

As illustrated inFIG.7, one or more storage devices760(1)-(N) may be directly attached to server740. Similarly, one or more storage devices770(1)-(N) may be directly attached to server745. Storage devices760(1)-(N) and storage devices770(1)-(N) generally represent any type or form of storage device or medium capable of storing data and/or other computer-readable instructions. In certain embodiments, storage devices760(1)-(N) and storage devices770(1)-(N) may represent Network-Attached Storage (NAS) devices configured to communicate with servers740and745using various protocols, such as Network File System (NFS), Server Message Block (SMB), or Common Internet File System (CIFS).

Servers740and745may also be connected to a Storage Area Network (SAN) fabric780. SAN fabric780generally represents any type or form of computer network or architecture capable of facilitating communication between a plurality of storage devices. SAN fabric780may facilitate communication between servers740and745and a plurality of storage devices790(1)-(N) and/or an intelligent storage array795. SAN fabric780may also facilitate, via network750and servers740and745, communication between client systems710,720, and730and storage devices790(1)-(N) and/or intelligent storage array795in such a manner that devices790(1)-(N) and array795appear as locally attached devices to client systems710,720, and730. As with storage devices760(1)-(N) and storage devices770(1)-(N), storage devices790(1)-(N) and intelligent storage array795generally represent any type or form of storage device or medium capable of storing data and/or other computer-readable instructions.

In certain embodiments, and with reference to example computing system610ofFIG.6, a communication interface, such as communication interface622inFIG.6, may be used to provide connectivity between each client system710,720, and730and network750. Client systems710,720, and730may be able to access information on server740or745using, for example, a web browser or other client software. Such software may allow client systems710,720, and730to access data hosted by server740, server745, storage devices760(1)-(N), storage devices770(1)-(N), storage devices790(1)-(N), or intelligent storage array795. AlthoughFIG.7depicts the use of a network (such as the Internet) for exchanging data, the embodiments described and/or illustrated herein are not limited to the Internet or any particular network-based environment.

In at least one embodiment, all or a portion of one or more of the example embodiments disclosed herein may be encoded as a computer program and loaded onto and executed by server740, server745, storage devices760(1)-(N), storage devices770(1)-(N), storage devices790(1)-(N), intelligent storage array795, or any combination thereof. All or a portion of one or more of the example embodiments disclosed herein may also be encoded as a computer program, stored in server740, run by server745, and distributed to client systems710,720, and730over network750.

As detailed above, computing system610and/or one or more components of network architecture700may perform and/or be a means for performing, either alone or in combination with other elements, one or more steps of an example method for protecting user data privacy against web tracking on Wi-Fi captive portals.

While the foregoing disclosure sets forth various embodiments using specific block diagrams, flowcharts, and examples, each block diagram component, flowchart step, operation, and/or component described and/or illustrated herein may be implemented, individually and/or collectively, using a wide range of hardware, software, or firmware (or any combination thereof) configurations. In addition, any disclosure of components contained within other components should be considered example in nature since many other architectures can be implemented to achieve the same functionality.

In some examples, all or a portion of example system100inFIG.1may represent portions of a cloud-computing or network-based environment. Cloud-computing environments may provide various services and applications via the Internet. These cloud-based services (e.g., software as a service, platform as a service, infrastructure as a service, etc.) may be accessible through a web browser or other remote interface. Various functions described herein may be provided through a remote desktop environment or any other cloud-based computing environment.

In various embodiments, all or a portion of example system100inFIG.1may facilitate multi-tenancy within a cloud-based computing environment. In other words, the software modules described herein may configure a computing system (e.g., a server) to facilitate multi-tenancy for one or more of the functions described herein. For example, one or more of the software modules described herein may program a server to enable two or more clients (e.g., customers) to share an application that is running on the server. A server programmed in this manner may share an application, operating system, processing system, and/or storage system among multiple customers (i.e., tenants). One or more of the modules described herein may also partition data and/or configuration information of a multi-tenant application for each customer such that one customer cannot access data and/or configuration information of another customer.

According to various embodiments, all or a portion of example system100inFIG.1may be implemented within a virtual environment. For example, the modules and/or data described herein may reside and/or execute within a virtual machine. As used herein, the term “virtual machine” generally refers to any operating system environment that is abstracted from computing hardware by a virtual machine manager (e.g., a hypervisor). Additionally or alternatively, the modules and/or data described herein may reside and/or execute within a virtualization layer. As used herein, the term “virtualization layer” generally refers to any data layer and/or application layer that overlays and/or is abstracted from an operating system environment. A virtualization layer may be managed by a software virtualization solution (e.g., a file system filter) that presents the virtualization layer as though it were part of an underlying base operating system. For example, a software virtualization solution may redirect calls that are initially directed to locations within a base file system and/or registry to locations within a virtualization layer.

In some examples, all or a portion of example system100inFIG.1may represent portions of a mobile computing environment. Mobile computing environments may be implemented by a wide range of mobile computing devices, including mobile phones, tablet computers, e-book readers, personal digital assistants, wearable computing devices (e.g., computing devices with a head-mounted display, smartwatches, etc.), and the like. In some examples, mobile computing environments may have one or more distinct features, including, for example, reliance on battery power, presenting only one foreground application at any given time, remote management features, touchscreen features, location and movement data (e.g., provided by Global Positioning Systems, gyroscopes, accelerometers, etc.), restricted platforms that restrict modifications to system-level configurations and/or that limit the ability of third-party software to inspect the behavior of other applications, controls to restrict the installation of applications (e.g., to only originate from approved application stores), etc. Various functions described herein may be provided for a mobile computing environment and/or may interact with a mobile computing environment.

In addition, all or a portion of example system100inFIG.1may represent portions of, interact with, consume data produced by, and/or produce data consumed by one or more systems for information management. As used herein, the term “information management” may refer to the protection, organization, and/or storage of data. Examples of systems for information management may include, without limitation, storage systems, backup systems, archival systems, replication systems, high availability systems, data search systems, virtualization systems, and the like.

In some embodiments, all or a portion of example system100inFIG.1may represent portions of, produce data protected by, and/or communicate with one or more systems for information security. As used herein, the term “information security” may refer to the control of access to protected data. Examples of systems for information security may include, without limitation, systems providing managed security services, data loss prevention systems, identity authentication systems, access control systems, encryption systems, policy compliance systems, intrusion detection and prevention systems, electronic discovery systems, and the like.

According to some examples, all or a portion of example system100inFIG.1may represent portions of, communicate with, and/or receive protection from one or more systems for endpoint security. As used herein, the term “endpoint security” may refer to the protection of endpoint systems from unauthorized and/or illegitimate use, access, and/or control. Examples of systems for endpoint protection may include, without limitation, anti-malware systems, user authentication systems, encryption systems, privacy systems, spam-filtering services, and the like.

The process parameters and sequence of steps described and/or illustrated herein are given by way of example only and can be varied as desired. For example, while the steps illustrated and/or described herein may be shown or discussed in a particular order, these steps do not necessarily need to be performed in the order illustrated or discussed. The various example methods described and/or illustrated herein may also omit one or more of the steps described or illustrated herein or include additional steps in addition to those disclosed.

While various embodiments have been described and/or illustrated herein in the context of fully functional computing systems, one or more of these example embodiments may be distributed as a program product in a variety of forms, regardless of the particular type of computer-readable media used to actually carry out the distribution. The embodiments disclosed herein may also be implemented using software modules that perform certain tasks. These software modules may include script, batch, or other executable files that may be stored on a computer-readable storage medium or in a computing system. In some embodiments, these software modules may configure a computing system to perform one or more of the example embodiments disclosed herein.

In addition, one or more of the modules described herein may transform data, physical devices, and/or representations of physical devices from one form to another. Additionally or alternatively, one or more of the modules recited herein may transform a processor, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, and/or any other portion of a physical computing device from one form to another by executing on the computing device, storing data on the computing device, and/or otherwise interacting with the computing device.

The preceding description has been provided to enable others skilled in the art to best utilize various aspects of the example embodiments disclosed herein. This example description is not intended to be exhaustive or to be limited to any precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects illustrative and not restrictive. Reference should be made to the appended claims and their equivalents in determining the scope of the present disclosure.

Unless otherwise noted, the terms “connected to” and “coupled to” (and their derivatives), as used in the specification and claims, are to be construed as permitting both direct and indirect (i.e., via other elements or components) connection. In addition, the terms “a” or “an,” as used in the specification and claims, are to be construed as meaning “at least one of.” Finally, for ease of use, the terms “including” and “having” (and their derivatives), as used in the specification and claims, are interchangeable with and have the same meaning as the word “comprising.”