Data Card Hidden Partition for Information Concealment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for protecting data information on data cards, such as those used in notebook computers, have low security levels, making user private information vulnerable to attackers, as encryption methods are not effective in preventing data access.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that select and store sensitive information in a hidden partition of the data card, using predetermined conditions like short messages with specific content to authenticate users and activate a hidden function, thereby increasing security by concealing the information's existence from attackers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If information is stored directly in the computer, then accessibility is improved, but security deteriorates because computer viruses are rampant

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveaccessibilityVSAvoidsecurity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts sensitive information from the computer's main storage system and relocates it to a hidden partition within the data card. This physical separation ensures that even if the computer is compromised by viruses or attackers, the sensitive information remains isolated and protected in the data card's secure storage environment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a nested structure where a hidden partition is created within the data card's storage system. The hidden partition contains sensitive information and is accessible only through specific authentication mechanisms, while the outer layer presents a normal storage interface to the user. This nested architecture provides multiple layers of protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If encryption methods are used to protect information, then security is improved, but attackers can still acquire the information easily

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidattack vulnerability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a hidden partition as an intermediary layer between the user and the sensitive information. This hidden partition acts as a mediator that requires specific authentication (such as predetermined short messages) to access, adding an intermediate security checkpoint that prevents direct access even if encryption is compromised.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary authentication mechanisms by setting predetermined conditions (such as specific short message content) that must be satisfied before the hidden partition becomes accessible. This preliminary action prevents unauthorized access before any data retrieval attempt occurs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If a hidden partition is created in the data card, then security is improved by concealing information existence, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the data card multi-functional by enabling it to operate in both normal mode (for general storage and communication) and hidden mode (for secure information storage). The same physical data card performs multiple functions depending on the authentication state, eliminating the need for separate hardware solutions and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2492819B1Method and apparatus for protecting information based on data card
Publication Date: 2020.04.15 ZTE CORP
  • EP2492819B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2492819B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2492819B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for protecting information based on a data card, and the method comprises: selecting information which needs to be hidden in a terminal device; and storing said information which needs to be hidden in a hidden partition of the data card. The present invention makes attackers not perceive the existence of the information and increases the security of the information in the data card, so as to protect the user's private information better.