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

US7194443B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• Francotyp-Postalia GmbH · DE

Inventors

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

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 10, 2000
• Grant date: Mar 20, 2007
• Expiry date: Mar 10, 2020

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.