Patent · US Expired

Computer data security device and method

US5212729A · kind A · utility

72Cited by
7References
15Claims
0Family size

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateJan 22, 1992
Grant dateMay 18, 1993
Priority date
Expiry dateJan 22, 2012

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10S439/952
  • WIPO fieldDigital communication
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

An apparatus and method for protecting data stored on a disk of a computer. The invention provides data access protection using a security software program, a hardware key, and a user password to permit access to the hard or floppy disk used in the computer. The program stores the hardware key code and password on the disk and encrypts disk partition data, and without using the correct hardware key and password, the partition data is unreadable. An encryption algorithm operates at all times and prevents unauthorized entry once the computer is turned off. A microcircuit key provides a unique stored code when energized, and a key connector is provided to use the key. The computer connector may also be adapted to permit coupling of an output device to the computer. Versions are disclosed for use with ports having bidirectional and unidirectional input and output lines.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.