Information processing device and information processing method

Abstract

To prevent leakage of protection object data in a storage unit of an expansion card.SOLUTION: An information processing device includes: a first processing unit 32 that at the time of shutdown, saves, to a backup area formed outside an expansion card, protection object data stored in a first storage unit and deletes the protection object data from the first storage unit; and a second processing unit 33 that at the time of startup, reads the protection object data from the backup area and initializes the expansion card by using the read protection object data.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device and an information processing method. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, expansion cards that are interface cards conforming to standards such as PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect-Express), have been known that are equipped with a processor and can execute an OS (Operating System) and programs. An example of an expansion card is the A100X from NVIDIA (registered trademark). Such an expansion card may be installed in a server to perform data processing on a 5G (5th Generation) network, for example. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2006-236077 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2001-142714 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The expansion card described above has a storage unit that stores information such as the OS and programs executed by the processor mounted on the card itself, user IDs, passwords, etc. The total capacity of this information is, for example, several hundred megabytes.

[0005] However, when such an expansion card is replaced for repair or maintenance work, there is a risk that the OS, programs, and user ID and password stored in the memory unit of the expansion card may be leaked to the outside.

[0006] According to one aspect, the present invention aims to prevent leakage of protected data stored in a storage unit of an expansion card. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] For this reason, this information processing device is an information processing device equipped with an expansion card having a first memory unit that stores protected data and a first processor, and is equipped with a first processing unit that, when the information processing device is shut down, evacuates the protected data stored in the first memory unit to a backup area formed outside the expansion card and deletes the protected data from the first memory unit, and a second processing unit that, when the information processing device is started, reads the protected data from the backup area and initializes the expansion card using the read protected data. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to one embodiment, leakage of protected data in a memory unit of an expansion card can be prevented. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates a hardware configuration of an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of an information processing device according to an embodiment. [Diagram 3] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process performed at the time of starting up an information processing device according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing a process at the time of starting up an information processing device according to an embodiment. [Diagram 5] 11 is a flowchart for explaining a process at the time of shutting down the information processing device according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing a process at the time of shutting down the information processing device according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present information processing device and information processing method will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the embodiment shown below is merely an example, and there is no intention to exclude the application of various modified examples and technologies not specified in the embodiment. In other words, the present embodiment can be implemented with various modifications within the scope of its purpose. In addition, each figure does not intend to include only the components shown in the figure, but can include other functions, etc.

[0011] (A) Hardware configuration example The information processing device 1 may be used as, for example, a server computer.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of an information processing device 1 as an example of an embodiment.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing device 1 may include, as a hardware configuration, a processor 10, a memory 11, a storage unit 12, a basic input output system (BIOS) memory 13, and an expansion card 20, for example.

[0014] The processor 10 is an example of a processing device that performs various controls and calculations, and is a control unit that executes various processes. The processor 10 may be connected to each block of the information processing device 1 so as to be able to communicate with each other via a bus 14. The bus 14 may be, for example, a PCI bus or a PCIe bus.

[0015] Furthermore, the processor 10 may be a multiprocessor including a plurality of processors, a multi-core processor having a plurality of processor cores, or a configuration having a plurality of multi-core processors.

[0016] Examples of the processor 10 include integrated circuits (ICs) such as a CPU, an MPU, an APU, a DSP, an ASIC, and an FPGA. Note that a combination of two or more of these integrated circuits may be used as the processor 10. CPU is an abbreviation for Central Processing Unit, and MPU is an abbreviation for Micro Processing Unit. APU is an abbreviation for Accelerated Processing Unit. DSP is an abbreviation for Digital Signal Processor, ASIC is an abbreviation for Application Specific IC, and FPGA is an abbreviation for Field-Programmable Gate Array. The processor 10 is an example of a second processor mounted in the information processing device 1.

[0017] The memory 11 is an example of hardware that stores various types of data, programs, and other information. Examples of the memory 11 include one or both of a volatile memory such as a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) and a non-volatile memory such as a persistent memory (PM).

[0018] The storage unit 12 is an example of hardware that stores various data, programs, and other information. Examples of the storage unit 12 include various storage devices such as a magnetic disk device such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a semiconductor drive device such as a solid state drive (SSD), and a nonvolatile memory. Examples of the nonvolatile memory include a flash memory, a storage class memory (SCM), and a read only memory (ROM).

[0019] The storage unit 12 may store a program 12a that realizes all or part of various functions of the information processing device 1. The program 12a may include an operation OS 12b and a maintenance OS 12c.

[0020] In addition, a predetermined storage area of ​​the storage unit 12 may be used as a backup area 12d for storing the above-mentioned protection target data. The backup area 12d is an example of a backup area formed outside the expansion card 20.

[0021] The BIOS memory 13 stores the BIOS 13a. When the information processing device 1 is started up, the processor 10 first executes the BIOS 13a to control input / output devices (not shown) and to control the start-up of the OS. For example, the processor 10 executes the BIOS 13a to control the execution of the operation OS 12b and the maintenance OS 12c.

[0022] Hereinafter, various processes performed by the processor 10 executing the BIOS 13a may be expressed as being performed by the BIOS 13a. For example, it may be said that the BIOS 13a starts (executes) the operation OS 12b and the maintenance OS 12c.

[0023] Furthermore, the information processing device 1 may include an interface unit, an IO (Input Output) unit, a graphics processing device, a reading unit, and the like, all of which are not shown.

[0024] The interface unit is an example of a communication IF that controls connection and communication between the information processing device 1 and another computer. For example, the interface unit may include an adapter that complies with a LAN (Local Area Network) such as Ethernet (registered trademark) or optical communication such as FC (Fibre Channel). The adapter may support one or both of wireless and wired communication methods.

[0025] For example, the information processing device 1 may be connected to other computers and electronic devices via an interface unit and a network so as to be able to communicate with each other. The program 12a may be downloaded from the network to the information processing device 1 via the communication IF and stored in the storage unit 12. The BIOS 13a may also be downloaded from the network to the information processing device 1 via the communication IF and stored in the BIOS memory 13.

[0026] The IO unit may include one or both of an input device and an output device. Examples of the input device include a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, etc. Examples of the output device include a monitor, a projector, a printer, etc. The IO unit may also include a touch panel in which the input device and the output device are integrated. The output device may be connected to a graphics processing device.

[0027] The reading unit is an example of a reader that reads out data or program information recorded on a recording medium. The reading unit may include a connection terminal or device to which a recording medium can be connected or inserted. Examples of the reading unit include an adapter that complies with USB (Universal Serial Bus) or the like, a drive device that accesses a recording disk, and a card reader that accesses a flash memory such as an SD card. The recording medium may store the program 12a, and the reading unit may read the program 12a from the recording medium and store it in the storage unit 12.

[0028] Examples of the recording medium include non-transitory computer-readable recording media such as magnetic / optical disks and flash memories. Examples of the magnetic / optical disks include flexible disks, CDs (Compact Discs), DVDs (Digital Versatile Discs), Blu-ray Discs, and HVDs (Holographic Versatile Discs). Examples of the flash memory include semiconductor memories such as USB memories and SD cards.

[0029] The graphics processing device may perform screen display control for an output device such as a monitor in the IO unit. The graphics processing device may also have a configuration as an accelerator that executes machine learning processing and inference processing using a machine learning model. Examples of the graphics processing device include various arithmetic processing devices, such as integrated circuits (ICs) such as a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an APU, a DSP, an ASIC, or an FPGA.

[0030] The above-described hardware configuration of the information processing device 1 is an example. Therefore, the hardware in the information processing device 1 may be appropriately increased or decreased (for example, adding or deleting any block), divided, integrated in any combination, or the bus may be added or deleted.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 1, the expansion card 20 may include, as a hardware configuration, a processor 21, a memory 22, and a storage unit 23, for example.

[0032] The processor 21 is an example of a processing device that performs various controls and calculations, and is a control unit that executes various processes. The processor 21 may be a multiprocessor or a multicore processor, or may have a configuration including multiple multicore processors.

[0033] The processor 21 may be, for example, an integrated circuit such as a CPU, an MPU, an APU, a DSP, an ASIC, or an FPGA. Also, a combination of two or more of these integrated circuits may be used as the processor 21. The processor 21 is an example of a first processor.

[0034] The memory 22 is an example of hardware that stores various types of data, programs, and other information. The memory 22 may be, for example, one or both of a volatile memory such as a DRAM and a non-volatile memory such as a PM.

[0035] The storage unit 23 is an example of hardware that stores various data, programs, and other information. Examples of the storage unit 12 include various storage devices such as a magnetic disk device such as an HDD, a semiconductor drive device such as an SSD, and a non-volatile memory. Examples of the non-volatile memory include a flash memory, an SCM, and a ROM.

[0036] The memory unit 23 may store information such as programs (user programs) that realize all or part of the various functions of the expansion card 20, passwords (user passwords), and user IDs. These user programs, user passwords, and user programs are confidential information that should be prevented from being leaked, for example, from the perspective of data security. At least a portion of these user programs, user passwords, and user programs may be referred to as data to be protected. The memory unit 23 is an example of a first memory unit that stores data to be protected (backup data).

[0037] (B) Functional configuration example FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the information processing device 1 according to an embodiment.

[0038] 2, the information processing device 1 may exemplarily include functions as a detection unit 31, a backup processing unit 32, and a restore processing unit 33. These functions may be realized by the hardware of the information processing device 1 (see FIG. 1).

[0039] The detection unit 31 checks whether the expansion card 20 is installed in the information processing device 1. For example, the detection unit 31 may check whether the expansion card 20 is present by searching the bus 14 for a device ID or a hardware ID that is preset for the expansion card 20.

[0040] The method of detecting the expansion card 20 by the detection unit 31 is not limited to this, and can be modified as appropriate. For example, the detection unit 31 may transmit a detection signal to the expansion card 20 via the bus 14, and when a response is received from the expansion card 20, determine that the expansion card 20 is installed in the information processing device 1.

[0041] The function of the detection unit 31 may be realized by the processor 10 executing the BIOS 13a. That is, the BIOS 13a includes a program module for executing the function of the detection unit 31.

[0042] For example, during the process in which the processor 10 executes the BIOS 13a (for example, just before the BIOS 13a is terminated) at the start of the information processing device 1, the function of the detection unit 31 is executed. As a result, during the process in which the processor 10 executes the BIOS 13a at the start of the information processing device 1, the detection unit 31 checks whether the expansion card 20 is mounted in the information processing device 1.

[0043] In addition, when the information processing device 1 is shut down, during the process in which the processor 10 executes the shutdown process of the operation OS 12b (for example, just before the shutdown process is completed), the operation OS 12b causes the processor 10 to execute a program module included in the BIOS 13a for performing the function of the detection unit 31.

[0044] As a result, when the information processing device 1 is shut down, the detection unit 31 checks whether the expansion card 20 is mounted in the information processing device 1 during the process in which the processor 10 executes the operation OS 12b.

[0045] The detection unit 31 is an example of a confirmation unit that confirms whether the expansion card 20 is installed in the information processing device 1.

[0046] The backup processing unit 32 moves the data to be protected (user program, user password, and user ID) stored in the memory unit 23 of the expansion card 20 to a backup destination memory area. The backup destination memory area is a memory area provided outside the expansion card 20, and may be, for example, the backup area 12d of the memory unit 12 of the information processing device 1.

[0047] The storage location of the data to be protected in the memory unit 23 of the expansion card 20 may be specified in advance.

[0048] The backup processing unit 32 accesses the expansion card 20 using, for example, superuser authority, and moves the protected data in the memory unit 23 of the expansion card 20 to the backup area 12d. This movement of the protected data to the backup area 12d also includes erasing the protected data from the memory unit 23 of the expansion card 20. The movement of the protected data from the memory unit 23 to the backup area 12d may be referred to as backing up the protected data.

[0049] The backup processing unit 32 is an example of a first processing unit that, when the information processing device 1 is shut down, backs up the protected data stored in the memory unit (first memory unit) 23 to a backup area 12d formed outside the expansion card 20, and deletes the protected data from the memory unit 23.

[0050] The function of the backup processing unit 32 may be realized by the processor 10 executing the maintenance OS 12c. That is, the maintenance OS 12c includes a program module for executing the function of the backup processing unit 32.

[0051] The function of the backup processing unit 32 is executed when the detection unit 31 determines that the expansion card 20 is installed in the information processing device 1 .

[0052] The restore processing unit 33 moves the protection target data (user program, user password, and user ID) that has been moved (backed up) to the backup destination storage area to the storage unit 23 of the expansion card 20.

[0053] The restore processing unit 33 accesses the expansion card 20 using, for example, superuser authority, and moves the protection target data stored in the backup area 12d to the storage unit 23 of the expansion card 20. After the protection target data is moved from the backup area 12d to the storage unit 23, it is desirable to erase the protection target data from the backup area 12d. Moving the protection target data from the backup area 12d to the storage unit 23 may be referred to as restoring the protection target data.

[0054] Storing the protected data in memory unit 23 allows processor 21 in expansion card 20 to use the protected data, and for example, allows execution of a user program in expansion card 20. Therefore, storing the protected data in memory unit 23 of expansion card 20 is equivalent to initializing expansion card 20.

[0055] The restore processing unit 33 is an example of a second processing unit that reads the protection target data from the backup area 12d when the information processing device 1 is started up, and initializes the expansion card 20 using the protection target data that has been read.

[0056] The function of the restore processing unit 33 may be realized by the processor 10 executing the maintenance OS 12c. That is, the maintenance OS 12c includes a program module for executing the function of the restore processing unit 33.

[0057] The function of the restore processing unit 33 is executed when the detection unit 31 determines that the expansion card 20 is installed in the information processing device 1 .

[0058] (C) Operation The start-up process of the information processing device 1 according to the embodiment configured as described above will be described according to the flowchart (steps A1 to A6) shown in Fig. 3 with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a sequence diagram showing the start-up process of the information processing device 1, and shows the processes between the processor 10, BIOS 13a, maintenance OS 12c, operation OS 12b, and expansion card 20.

[0059] In addition, in FIG. 4 and FIG. 6 (described later), the processor 10, the BIOS 13a, the maintenance OS 12c, and the operation OS 12b executed by the processor 10 are shown in the same row for convenience.

[0060] 3, for example, a user operates a power-on switch of the information processing device 1 to start up the information processing device 1. The BIOS 13a detects a power-on command issued by the processor 10 (see reference symbol a1 in FIG. 4).

[0061] 3, the detection unit 31 (BIOS 13a) checks whether the expansion card 20 is mounted on the PCIe bus 14 of the information processing device 1 (see reference symbol a2 in FIG. 4). If the check shows that the expansion card 20 is mounted (see the Yes route in step A2: see reference symbol a3 in FIG. 4), the process proceeds to step A3 in FIG. 3.

[0062] In step A3, the BIOS 13a executes a command to start up the maintenance OS 12c, thereby starting up the maintenance OS 12c (see reference symbol a4 in FIG. 4).

[0063] In step A4, the restore processing unit 33 (maintenance OS 12c) restores the protected data (backup data) stored in the backup area 12d of the storage unit 12 of the information processing device 1 to the storage unit 23 of the expansion card 20 (see reference symbol a5 in FIG. 4). Upon completing the restoration of the protected data, the expansion card 20 notifies the maintenance OS 12c of the completion (see reference symbol a6 in FIG. 4).

[0064] 3, the maintenance OS 12c performs its own termination process. That is, the processor 10 terminates the maintenance OS 12c. The maintenance OS 12c notifies the BIOS 13a that the processing of the maintenance OS 12c has been completed (see reference symbol a7 in FIG. 4).

[0065] In step A6 in Fig. 3, for example, the BIOS 13a starts the operation OS 12b (see reference symbol a8 in Fig. 4). This ends the start-up process of the information processing device 1, and the information processing device 1 starts normal operation by the operation OS 12b. Note that the start-up of the BIOS 13a may be performed by the maintenance OS 12c.

[0066] Also, if the check result in step A2 shows that the expansion card 20 is not installed in the information processing device 1 (see the No route in step A2), the process proceeds to step A6.

[0067] Next, the process at the time of shutting down the information processing device 1 according to an embodiment will be described according to the flowchart (steps B1 to B6) shown in Fig. 5 with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a sequence diagram showing the process at the time of shutting down the information processing device 1, and shows the process between the processor 10, the BIOS 13a, the maintenance OS 12c, the operation OS 12b, and the expansion card 20.

[0068] 5, for example, a user inputs a shutdown command to shut down the information processing device 1, thereby starting the shutdown process of the information processing device 1. The BIOS 13a detects a power-off command issued by the processor 10 (see reference symbol b1 in FIG. 6). The BIOS 13a executes a command to shut down the operation OS 12b (see reference symbol b2 in FIG. 6).

[0069] In step B2 of Fig. 5, the operation OS 12b performs a termination process. In this termination process, a general computer shutdown process may be executed. The operation OS 12b notifies the BIOS 13a that the processing of the operation OS 12b is completed (see reference symbol b3 in Fig. 6).

[0070] In step B3 of Fig. 5, the detection unit 31 (BIOS 13a) checks whether an expansion card 20 is mounted on the PCIe bus 14 of the information processing device 1 (see symbol b4 of Fig. 6). If the check shows that the expansion card 20 is not mounted (see No route of step B3), the process ends. On the other hand, if the expansion card 20 is mounted (see Yes route of step B3: see symbol b5 of Fig. 6), the process proceeds to step B4 of Fig. 5.

[0071] In step B4, the BIOS 13a executes a command to start up the maintenance OS 12c, thereby starting up the maintenance OS 12c (see reference symbol b6 in FIG. 6).

[0072] In step B5 of Fig. 5, the backup processing unit 32 saves the data to be protected (backup data) stored in the memory unit 23 of the expansion card 20 to the backup area 12d of the memory unit 12 of the information processing device 1. The backup processing unit 32 also deletes (clears) the data to be protected from the memory unit 23 of the expansion card 20 (see reference symbol b7 in Fig. 6). Upon completing the backup and clearing of the data to be protected, the expansion card 20 notifies the maintenance OS 12c of the completion (see reference symbol b8 in Fig. 6).

[0073] In step B6 of FIG. 5, the maintenance OS 12c performs its own termination process. That is, the processor 10 terminates the maintenance OS 12c. The maintenance OS 12c notifies the BIOS 13a that the processing of the maintenance OS 12c is completed (see reference symbol b9 in FIG. 6). The BIOS 13a notifies the processor 10 of power-off (see reference symbol b10 in FIG. 6). Thereafter, the information processing device 1 enters a termination state.

[0074] (D) Effects Thus, according to the information processing device 1 of one embodiment, when the information processing device 1 is shut down, the backup processing unit 32 moves the protected data stored in the memory unit 23 of the expansion card 20 to the backup memory area and erases it from the memory unit 23 of the expansion card 20.

[0075] As a result, when the information processing device 1 is not started, the protected data is not stored in the memory unit 23 of the expansion card 20, so that even if the expansion card 20 is removed from the information processing device 1 for repair or replacement, for example, leakage of the protected data from the expansion card 20 can be prevented. This makes it possible to improve the security level and reliability.

[0076] Generally, in an expansion card or an information processing device having an expansion card, when the information processing device is shut down, it is not possible to determine whether the shutdown is a normal shutdown or a shutdown for replacing the expansion card. In the present information processing device 1, the backup processing unit 32 deletes the protected data in the storage unit 23 every time the information processing device 1 is shut down, thereby reliably preventing information leakage.

[0077] The maintenance OS 12c includes modules for realizing the functions of the backup processing unit 32 and the restore processing unit 33. This eliminates the need to make any changes to the operation OS 12b, and also eliminates the need to store the modules in the generally small-capacity BIOS memory 13, and can be easily realized in existing information processing devices.

[0078] (E) Other The configurations and processes of this embodiment may be selected as necessary, or may be combined as appropriate.

[0079] The disclosed technology is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but can be implemented in various modifications without departing from the spirit of the present embodiment.

[0080] For example, in the above embodiment, the data to be protected is the user program, the user password, and the user ID stored in the memory unit 23 of the expansion card 20, but the data to be protected is not limited to this. Data other than these may be included in the data to be protected.

[0081] Furthermore, the above disclosure enables a person skilled in the art to implement and manufacture the present embodiment.

[0082] (F) Notes Regarding the above embodiment, the following supplementary notes are further disclosed.

[0083] (Appendix 1) An information processing device equipped with an expansion card having a first storage unit that stores data to be protected and a first processor, a first processing unit that, when the information processing device is shut down, saves the protection target data stored in the first storage unit to a backup area formed outside the expansion card and deletes the protection target data from the first storage unit; a second processing unit that reads the protection target data from the backup area and initializes the expansion card using the read protection target data when the information processing device is started; An information processing device comprising:

[0084] (Appendix 2) a confirmation unit for confirming whether the expansion card is installed in the information processing device, When it is confirmed that the expansion card is installed in the information processing device, the first processing unit saves and deletes the data to be protected, and the second processing unit initializes the expansion card using the data to be protected. 2. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

[0085] (Appendix 3) A second processor mounted on the information processing device executes a program module included in a BIOS (Basic Input Output System) to realize the function of the confirmation unit. 3. The information processing device according to claim 2.

[0086] (Appendix 4) A second processor mounted on the information processing device executes a program module included in a maintenance OS provided separately from an operation OS (Operating System), thereby realizing the functions of the first processing unit and the second processing unit. 4. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the information processing device comprises:

[0087] (Appendix 5) An information processing device including an expansion card having a first storage unit for storing data to be protected and a first processor, a process of saving the protection target data stored in the first storage unit to a backup area formed outside the expansion card and deleting the protection target data from the first storage unit when the information processing device is shut down; a process of reading the protection target data from the backup area and initializing the expansion card using the read protection target data when the information processing device is started; 2. An information processing method comprising:

[0088] (Appendix 6) The information processing device, further executing a process of confirming whether the expansion card is installed in the information processing device; When it is confirmed in the process of confirming that the expansion card is installed in the information processing device, the process of saving and deleting the protection target data and the process of initializing the expansion card using the protection target data are executed. 6. The information processing method according to claim 5,

[0089] (Appendix 7) A second processor mounted on the information processing device executes the checking process by executing a program module included in a BIOS (Basic Input Output System). 7. The information processing method according to claim 6,

[0090] (Appendix 8) A second processor mounted on the information processing device 1 executes a program module included in a maintenance OS provided separately from an operation OS (Operating System), thereby executing the process of saving and deleting the protection target data and the process of initializing the expansion card using the protection target data. 8. The information processing method according to any one of claims 5 to 7. [Explanation of symbols]

[0091] 1. Information processing device 10 Processors 11. Memory 12 Storage section 12a Program 12b Operating OS 12c maintenance OS 12d Backup area 13 BIOS Memory 13a BIOS 14 Bus 20 Expansion Cards 21 Processors 22 Memory 23 Memory section 31 Detection unit 32 Backup processing section 33 Restore processing unit

Claims

1. An information processing device including an expansion card having a first storage unit for storing data to be protected and a first processor, a first processing unit that, when the information processing device is shut down, saves the protection target data stored in the first storage unit to a backup area formed outside the expansion card and deletes the protection target data from the first storage unit; a second processing unit that reads the protection target data from the backup area and initializes the expansion card using the protection target data that has been read out when the information processing device is started; An information processing device comprising:

2. a confirmation unit for confirming whether the expansion card is installed in the information processing device, When it is confirmed that the expansion card is installed in the information processing device, the first processing unit saves and deletes the data to be protected, and the second processing unit initializes the expansion card using the data to be protected.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1,

3. A second processor mounted on the information processing device executes a program module included in a BIOS (Basic Input Output System) to realize the function of the confirmation unit.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2.

4. A second processor mounted on the information processing device executes a program module included in a maintenance OS (Operating System) provided separately from an operation OS (Operating System), thereby realizing the functions of the first processing unit and the second processing unit.

4. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the information processing device is a computer.

5. An information processing device including an expansion card having a first processor and a first storage unit for storing data to be protected, a process of saving the protection target data stored in the first storage unit to a backup area formed outside the expansion card and deleting the protection target data from the first storage unit when the information processing device is shut down; a process of reading the protection target data from the backup area and initializing the expansion card using the read protection target data when the information processing device is started; 2. An information processing method comprising:

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