Systems and methods for protecting against unauthorized access of encrypted data during power-management modes
US8555083B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 22, 2010 |
| Grant date | Oct 8, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 6, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F2221/2143
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method may include detecting initiation of a power-management mode that suspends the functionality of at least one component of a computing device while maintaining the functionality of the device's memory. The method may also include, before the device enters the power-management mode, (1) identifying, within the device's memory, an encryption key that is required to access encrypted data stored in the device's storage device, and (2) removing the encryption key from the device's memory in order to protect against unauthorized access of the encrypted data during implementation of the power-management mode. The method may also include, upon detecting discontinuation of the power-management mode, (1) obtaining user credentials from a user of the device in order to authenticate the user and, upon successfully authenticating the user, (2) using the user credentials to regenerate the encryption key in order to enable access to the encrypted data stored in the storage device.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.