Method and apparatus for securely booting from an external storage device
US8291226B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 10, 2006 |
| Grant date | Oct 16, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 8, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F21/575
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Techniques to securely boot up an electronics device (e.g., a cellular phone) from an external storage device are described. Secure data (e.g., a hash digest, a signature, a cryptographic key, and so on) is initially retrieved from a non-writable area of an external memory device (e.g., an one-time programmable (OTP) area of a NAND Flash device). A first program (e.g., a boot program) is retrieved from a writable or main area of the external memory device and authenticated based on the secure data. The first program is enabled for execution if authenticated. A second program may be retrieved from the main area of the external memory device and authenticated based on the secure data. The second program is enabled for execution if authenticated. Additional programs may be retrieved and authenticated. Each program may be authenticated using a secure hash function, a digital signature, and/or some other cryptographic technique.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.