Debug Information Storage Access Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Storage devices face a security risk due to the exposure of debug information without proper access controls, which can lead to hacking and compromised security.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a system where access levels are set for debug information based on its importance, with a controller managing access and performing security operations such as authentication and encryption to protect sensitive data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If debug information is stored without access level restrictions, then ease of operation is improved, but security is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess to debug informationVSAvoidsecurity of debug information
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by assigning different access levels to different pieces of debug information based on their sensitivity and importance. Each debug information item is tagged with an access level indicator, allowing selective access control rather than uniform restriction across all debug data. This enables authorized users to access non-sensitive debug information freely while protecting sensitive data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments debug information into multiple categories based on access levels. The debug information storage is divided into distinct regions or items, each with its own access level designation. This segmentation allows the system to manage and control access to different portions of debug information independently, balancing ease of access for general debugging with security for sensitive data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If access levels are set for all debug information, then security is improved, but device complexity is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity of debug informationVSAvoidaccess control system
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by implementing access level checks only for debug information items that have restricted access. The controller checks the access level indicator and compares it with the host device's authorization level, but only when necessary. This avoids the overhead of checking every single debug information item, reducing the complexity burden while maintaining security for sensitive data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses parameter changes by representing access levels as simple numerical indicators or flags associated with each debug information item. This parameter-based approach allows the access control system to function with minimal complexity, using straightforward comparisons between access level parameters rather than complex permission matrices or authentication protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4379588A1Storage device for storing plurality of pieces of debug information and operating method thereof
Publication Date: 2024.06.05 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4379588A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4379588A1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP4379588A1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

A storage device is provided. The storage device includes: a first memory configured to store a plurality of pieces of debug information; and a controller configured to: check an access level of target debug information among the plurality of pieces of debug information according to a debug information read command provided by a host device; and perform a security operation for the target debug information based on the access level of the target debug information.