Isolated Hardware Security Switch for Personal Devices
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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 audio/video information capture and unauthorized access, and cannot prevent false notifications in compromised software states.
Innovation Solution
A hardware security switch that is internally isolated and manually operated, disconnecting audio/video and communication components to prevent unauthorized access, with modes for protecting against information capture and location tracking, and featuring an isolated switch that cannot be manipulated by the device's software or remotely.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing security solutions are used, then basic security protection is provided, but they are externally tamperable or not fully isolated from the device itself
Solution Approach 1:
The security switch is segmented into isolated control elements and switching elements that are electrically separated from the device core and peripheral devices. This segmentation ensures that the switch cannot be manipulated by software or remote access, providing true hardware-level isolation and preventing tampering while maintaining security protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The security switch acts as an intermediary component between the device core and peripheral devices. It physically disconnects audio/video and communication components from the device core, creating a barrier that prevents unauthorized access and information capture while allowing normal operation when not in security mode.
2Reliability
If software security systems are used, then security management is provided, but they cannot prevent false notifications in compromised software states
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces software-based security control with a hardware-level mechanical/electrical switching system. The security switch uses physical disconnection mechanisms controlled by isolated elements, eliminating the possibility of software manipulation and false notifications. The switch independently controls the connection state of peripheral devices without relying on software integrity.
3Reliability
If audio/video and communication components are permanently disabled, then protection against information capture is improved, but device functionality is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The security switch provides dynamic control over component connectivity. Instead of permanently disabling components, the switch allows the authorized user to connect or disconnect audio/video and communication components as needed. This dynamic switching capability maintains full device functionality when security protection is not required while enabling immediate protection when threats are detected.
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.