Method for protecting a security module and arrangement for the implementation of the method

US6954149B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Francotyp-Postalia AG & Co. KG · DE

Inventors

• Peter Post · Berlin, DE
• Dirk Rosenau · Berlin, DE
• Torsten Schlaaff · Panketal, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Aug 12, 2002
• Grant date: Oct 11, 2005
• Expiry date: Apr 7, 2023

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G07B2017/00967
• WIPO field: Control
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

In a security module and a method for protecting a security module, wherein security-relevant data are stored in a memory in the module, proper insertion of the security module on a device motherboard is monitored with a first function unit and a second function in the security module. The first function unit signals the status of the security module. The second function unit detects improper use or improper replacement of the security module, and upon detection of improper use or improper replacement, the second function unit causes the security-relevant data to be erased.