Isolated Hardware Security Switch for Personal Devices
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing security solutions for personal devices are either externally tamperable or not fully isolated from the device itself, failing to provide simultaneous temporary protection against unauthorized access and audio/video information capture, while also being vulnerable to false notifications in compromised software states.
Innovation Solution
A hardware security switch that is internally isolated and manually operable, disconnecting audio/video and communication components to prevent unauthorized access and location tracking, with modes for protecting against information capture and location discovery, and an isolated controller that cannot be manipulated by the device software.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If software security systems (firewalls, anti-virus programs) are used to protect personal devices, then security protection is provided, but the systems are eventually overcome by new hacking methods and cannot be fully trusted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces software-based security systems with a hardware-based security switch that physically disconnects communication components. This mechanical/physical approach substitutes the unreliable software security layer with a tangible, isolated hardware mechanism that cannot be compromised by software vulnerabilities, viruses, or hacking methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The security switch acts as an intermediary component between the device core and communication components (microphone, camera, transceiver). It provides a physical mediation layer that can block or allow connections, serving as a trusted intermediary that neither the compromised device software nor external hackers can control.
2Productivity
If communication components are permanently connected to the device core, then full functionality is maintained, but unauthorized access and information capture become possible
Solution Approach 1:
The security switch introduces dynamic controllability to the previously static connection between the device core and communication components. The connection state can be changed from connected to disconnected and back, allowing the system to adapt between full functionality and security protection modes based on user needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the device into distinct functional blocks: the device core, communication components, and the security switch. This segmentation allows independent control of each block, enabling the security switch to isolate communication components from the device core when needed, thereby preventing unauthorized access while maintaining functionality when connected.
3Reliability
If an internal security switch is implemented, then protection from unauthorized access is provided, but the switch may be manipulated by device software unless fully isolated
Solution Approach 1:
The security switch is designed as an isolated intermediary with no electrical connection to the device core or communication components. This complete electrical isolation prevents any software or electrical signal from the device from manipulating the switch, ensuring it can only be controlled by physical user input through isolated input elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The control mechanism for the security switch uses purely mechanical or physically isolated input elements (such as a button or switch on the device exterior) rather than electronic or software-based control. This mechanical substitution ensures that the switch cannot be manipulated by device software, as there is no electrical pathway for software signals to reach the control element.
4Reliability
If communication components are disconnected to prevent unauthorized access, then security is improved, but the device cannot function normally
Solution Approach 1:
The security switch enables dynamic switching between security mode (disconnected) and normal operation mode (connected). Users can easily transition between these states by operating the isolated input element, allowing the device to be secure when needed and fully functional when the user requires normal communication operations.
Data Source
AI summary
System and method for securing a personal device that includes a device core and a peripheral device from unauthorized access or operation. The system comprises an isolated switch, included fully or partially within an envelope of the personal device. The isolated switch cannot be affected in its operation by either the device core or the peripheral device. The switch may be operated by an authorized user of the personal device either preemptively or in response to a detected threat. In some embodiments, the isolated switch includes an isolated controller which can send one or more signals to the peripheral device and/or part of peripheral device. In some embodiments, the isolated switch includes an isolated internal component and an isolated external component, both required to work together to trigger the isolated switch operation. In some embodiments, the isolated switch includes an isolated disconnector for connecting and disconnecting the device core from part of the peripheral device.