MCU Hardware Access Circuit for Blocking Unauthorized Sensor Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Android users are unaware of hardware device permissions granted to third-party APKs, leading to unauthorized collection of private information, and existing systems fail to prevent this effectively.
Innovation Solution
A control circuit with a microcontroller unit (MCU), short circuit elements, and switch elements that selectively short-circuit input/output units like cameras and microphones to prevent unauthorized access, controlled via GPIO pins and I2C communication, enabling and disabling a hardware security protection mode through mechanical or software buttons.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If hardware devices (camera, microphone) are made accessible to third-party APKs, then functionality and versatility are improved, but security and privacy protection deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
A control circuit is introduced as an intermediary between the hardware devices and third-party APKs. This control circuit includes a microcontroller unit (MCU) that receives control signals from the CPU and manages the connection between APKs and hardware devices. The control circuit acts as a mediator that can grant or deny access based on security rules, preventing direct unauthorized access while maintaining legitimate functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary security checks before allowing APKs to access hardware devices. The control circuit proactively manages hardware access by establishing control over the connection path before any data transmission occurs. This preliminary control mechanism ensures that only authorized applications can access hardware resources, preventing unauthorized information collection in advance.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If hardware devices are selectively disabled to prevent unauthorized access, then security is improved, but device functionality and usability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit dynamically adjusts hardware accessibility based on real-time security conditions and application authorization. Rather than permanently disabling hardware, the system can enable or disable specific hardware devices on-demand based on the authorized APKs attempting to access them. This dynamic control maintains security while preserving functionality for legitimate uses.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies selective control at the local level by managing individual hardware device access rather than disabling all hardware globally. The control circuit can enable camera access for authorized photography apps while blocking unauthorized surveillance apps. This localized quality control allows specific functions to operate legitimately while preventing harmful access to the same hardware.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a control circuit with short circuit elements is added to manage hardware access, then security control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The security control functionality is extracted into a separate control circuit that operates independently from the main CPU and hardware devices. This extracted control circuit includes dedicated short circuit elements and control logic that can be independently designed and optimized. By separating the security management function, the main system architecture remains relatively simple while gaining enhanced security control capabilities.
Data Source
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AI summary
This application provides a control circuit, an electronic device, a hardware security protection method, and a storage medium. The control circuit includes: a MCU, a short circuit element, a switch element, and an input/output unit, where a VCC pin of the MCU is connected to a power supply voltage VCC, a GPIO pin of the MCU is connected to an input end of the short circuit element, a GND pin of the MCU is grounded through the switch element, and an output end of the short circuit element is connected to a signal receiving end of the input/output unit; the MCU is configured to output a first control signal through the GPIO pin after the GND pin is grounded through the switch element; and the short circuit element is configured to control, based on the first control signal, the input/output unit to be short-circuited to ground. In this way, the input/output unit can be selectively controlled to be in a failure state by short-circuiting the input/output unit, that is, a third-party APK can be prevented from excessive collecting user information in terms of hardware, thereby improving the security of the usage of the electronic device.