Method and apparatus for preventing unauthorized access to information stored in a non-volatile memory
US8646094B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 7, 2011 |
| Grant date | Feb 4, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 22, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F2221/2143
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A communications device for ensuring secure data transfer provided having an interface device for controlling data transfer, an integrated circuit coupled to the interface device and having a processor, a non-volatile memory for storing at least program code for the processor, a volatile memory, an input pin and an output pin; and an electrical conductor which electrically connects the input pin and the output pin. The electrical conductor passes through an external portion of the enclosure, e.g., a slot, which allows a user to easily sever the electrical conductor. In operation, a portion of the program code detects when the electrical conductor is severed and causes the program code in the non-volatile memory to be erased, data transfer via the interface device to be disabled, and power to the integrated circuit cut off to ensure that all information in volatile memory is erased.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.