Quick Factory Reset Application Data Destruction Routine
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a method to quickly and securely erase personal data from portable electronic devices to prevent unauthorized access, especially in situations where the device may fall into malicious hands, while ensuring the method is easy to activate but difficult to activate inadvertently.
Innovation Solution
A processor-enabled method that includes a software application resident in the non-volatile memory of electronic devices, allowing users to activate a data destruction routine through a user interface, which overwrites data with decoy information and initiates a factory reset, requiring multiple button inputs or biometric confirmation for activation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a factory reset function is provided to erase user data, then data security is improved, but the risk of inadvertent activation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by requiring a specific sequence of button presses (e.g., holding power button while pressing volume down, then volume up) before the factory reset function is activated. This pre-condition prevents accidental activation while maintaining the ability to quickly erase data when intentionally triggered through the predefined sequence.
2Reliability
If multiple button presses are required to activate data destruction, then inadvertent activation is prevented, but activation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the user pre-learn and memorize the specific button sequence required for activation. Once memorized, the sequence can be executed quickly in emergency situations. The system also provides feedback during the sequence (e.g., display messages confirming each step) to ensure the user is on track, reducing overall activation time while maintaining security.
Data Source
AI summary
A processor-enabled method of deleting data of a user on an electronic device of the type having a processor, a volatile memory, a non-volatile memory, a display, and a user interface, includes the steps of A) providing a software application resident in the non-volatile memory of the electronic device, B) running the software application so that the software application is in a standby mode, and c) in an emergency situation, the user using the user interface to activate a data destruction routine of the software application. The data destruction routine performs the steps: 1) turning off the display of the electronic device, or alternately displaying all black pixels on the display, 2) overwriting the data of the user in the non-volatile memory with decoy data, and 3) initiating the factory-reset module. The decoy data may be all zeros, all ones, or random values, for example.