Flash Memory ECC Encryption for Hacking Vulnerability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flash memory systems face limitations in securely storing and correcting multi-bit data due to the intrinsic characteristics of multi-level cells, where bit errors can occur, and existing encryption methods do not effectively protect against hacking attacks by encrypting only the main data area, leaving the error correction code vulnerable.
Innovation Solution
A flash memory system that encrypts the error correction code in the spare area, using a memory controller to generate and store both a first and second error correction code, and includes an encryption and decryption unit to secure the data, thereby enhancing security and performance by protecting the error correction code from hacking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the error correction code is stored in plaintext in the spare area, then the flash memory system can efficiently correct bit errors, but the system becomes vulnerable to hacking attacks that target the ECC data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by encrypting the error correction code before storing it in the spare area. This preemptive security measure prevents potential hacking attacks that would target plaintext ECC data, while still maintaining the ability to correct bit errors through the encrypted form. The encryption is performed in advance, before any potential security breach can occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an encryption algorithm as an intermediary between the raw ECC data and its storage in the spare area. This intermediary layer transforms the plaintext ECC into ciphertext, preventing direct access by potential hackers while allowing the system to still utilize the error correction functionality through proper decryption and processing.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the entire main area data is encrypted to protect against hacking, then security is improved, but the hardware and software overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by selectively encrypting only the error correction code portion of the data structure, rather than encrypting the entire main area data. This localized approach concentrates security measures on the most vulnerable component (the ECC in the spare area) while avoiding the overhead of encrypting all data, thus reducing hardware and software complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial action by encrypting only the critical ECC data rather than performing full encryption on all main area data. This partial encryption approach provides sufficient security protection against hacking while minimizing the additional hardware and software overhead that would result from comprehensive encryption of all data.
3Device complexity
If no encryption is applied to the error correction code, then the system operates with minimal overhead, but the spare area becomes vulnerable to unauthorized access and data corruption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by implementing encryption on the error correction code before storage, preventing potential unauthorized access and data corruption in advance. This proactive security measure protects against information loss while maintaining reasonable system overhead through targeted rather than comprehensive encryption.
Data Source
AI summary
A flash memory system includes a flash memory for storing input data, and a memory controller controlling the flash memory, wherein the memory controller generates a first error correction code corresponding to the input data, and encrypts the first error correction code, and the flash memory includes a main area for storing the input data and a spare area for storing the encrypted first error correction code.