Information Processing Apparatus Secure Data Deletion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image capturing apparatuses face security risks as previous owner's information is not adequately deleted when the device is sold or transferred, leading to potential misuse if the new owner has malicious intent.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus with a setting information storage unit, attachment/detachment detection unit, notification unit, and invalidation unit that detects the detachment of an external storage medium and invalidates the setting information, ensuring secure deletion and duplication of sensitive data to prevent leakage and misuse.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the previous owner's information is deleted by overwriting it with a new owner's information, then the security of setting information is improved, but the new owner's information cannot be protected if the new owner has malicious intent before registering
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary deletion of setting information when the storage medium is detached, before the new owner completes registration. This preliminary action ensures that even if the new owner has malicious intent, the previous owner's information cannot be accessed or misused during the registration process.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage medium attachment/detachment mechanism serves as an intermediary trigger. When the storage medium is detached, this intermediate event automatically initiates the deletion process, providing a neutral security mechanism that operates independently of user intent or registration status.
2Reliability
If the setting information is deleted upon detachment of the external storage medium, then unauthorized use is prevented, but the setting information may be lost if the storage medium is replaced accidentally
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a copy of the setting information in the internal storage unit before deleting it from the storage medium. This copying mechanism ensures that if the storage medium is accidentally replaced or lost, the setting information remains preserved in the internal storage and can be restored.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides a safety buffer by maintaining setting information in both the storage medium and internal storage simultaneously. This redundant storage acts as a cushion against accidental data loss, allowing recovery if one storage location is compromised.
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus to which an external storage medium is connectable includes a setting information storage unit that stores setting information, an attachment/detachment detection unit that detects attachment to and detachment from the information processing apparatus of the external storage medium, a notification unit that provides notification of detachment of the external storage medium from the information processing apparatus, and an invalidation unit that invalidates the setting information based on the notification of the detachment of the external storage medium from the information processing apparatus.