Methods used in a secure yet flexible system architecture for secure devices with flash mass storage memory
US7934049B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 22, 2005 |
| Grant date | Apr 26, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 12, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F2221/2107
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A device with mass storage capability that uses a readily available non secure memory for the mass storage but has firmware (and hardware) that provides security against unauthorized copying of data. This is true even though the firmware itself is stored in the non secure mass storage memory, and therefore potentially vulnerable to hacking. An indication of the authenticity of the firmware must be present before it will be executed by the device. This protects the device contents from unauthorized duplication or tampering. Additional functionality can be added to the device with additional firmware applications, and the authenticity of those additional applications will also be verified before they will be executed. This further prevents unauthorized copying or tampering of secure content through any mechanisms that may be unscrupulously introduced. Any data within the mass storage memory may also be encrypted.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.