Hardware Security Module Active Switches for Tamper-Triggered Data Erasure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic circuits are vulnerable to unauthorized access through physical penetration, allowing exposure of sensitive data such as encryption/decryption keys, financial data, and access codes, due to methods like chemical penetration, drilling, and X-ray techniques.
Innovation Solution
A hardware security module system with tamper-responsive switches that electrically couple to security contact pads on a circuit board, detecting unwanted physical access and disabling or erasing encryption data by monitoring signal loss or voltage drop to prevent unauthorized access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If physical penetration methods (chemical, drilling, separation) are used to access encryption components, then access to sensitive data is achieved, but security of the encryption/decryption component is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-installing tamper-responsive switches and security contact pads on the circuit board before the encryption/decryption component is compromised. These components are positioned to detect physical penetration attempts before they can reach the sensitive encryption keys, enabling preventive security monitoring and response.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses tamper-responsive switches and security contact pads as intermediary components between potential attackers and the encryption/decryption component. These intermediaries detect physical penetration attempts through chemical, drilling, or separation methods and trigger security responses, creating a protective barrier that prevents direct access to sensitive data.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If X-ray and other non-destructive techniques are used to penetrate the physical package, then access to internal components is achieved, but the security monitoring capability is bypassed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces purely mechanical security measures with a hybrid system that includes electrical monitoring through tamper-responsive switches and security contact pads. This electrical monitoring system can detect physical changes caused by X-ray penetration or other non-destructive techniques, converting physical intrusion attempts into detectable electrical signals that trigger security responses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where tamper-responsive switches continuously monitor the security contact pads and provide real-time information about the physical state of the encryption component. When physical penetration or X-ray exposure is detected, the system provides immediate feedback by triggering security responses such as disabling the encryption component or alerting security systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A hardware security module system, method and device including one or more switches and a circuit board having pairs of security contact pads coupled with encryption/decryption and security components for determining if an unwanted physical access of the circuit board is occurring and disabling or erasing sensitive encryption/decryption data to prevent the unauthorized access of the data.