Memory Data Obfuscation Circuitry for Secure Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing memory technologies fail to effectively protect sensitive information from unauthorized access, even when the memory is powered off, as data can be retrieved from volatile memory after power down and non-volatile memory retains information indefinitely, making it vulnerable to data theft.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating data obfuscation circuitry within the memory system that alters data and addresses using bit flipping or scrambling, with a volatile latch-based obfuscation key that automatically erases upon power loss, ensuring secure data protection without manual erase procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If data is stored in volatile memory for fast access, then speed is improved, but data can be retrieved after power down creating security vulnerability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by obfuscating data before it is stored in volatile memory. The obfuscation circuitry transforms the original data into an altered form using bit-flipping or scrambling based on a key, so that even if the memory is accessed after power down, the stolen data remains unintelligible without the key.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary obfuscation circuitry layer between the data and the memory storage. This circuitry acts as a mediator that transforms data before storage and restores it during retrieval, using a key stored in a volatile latch to control the obfuscation process.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If manual data erasure procedures are implemented for security, then data protection is improved, but device complexity and operational burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by making the security protection automatic and self-managing. The obfuscation circuitry continuously protects data without requiring manual intervention. When power is lost, the volatile latch automatically loses its key, and the data remains obfuscated without needing any manual erasure action.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary obfuscation action before data storage, so that data is already protected when written to memory. This eliminates the need for subsequent manual erasure procedures, as the data is inherently protected from the moment of storage.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If data is stored in non-volatile memory for persistent storage, then duration is improved, but data remains retrievable indefinitely creating security risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary obfuscation before data is stored in non-volatile memory. The data is transformed using the obfuscation circuitry and key before being written to persistent storage, ensuring that even though the data remains retrievable indefinitely, it remains unintelligible without the corresponding key.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of data representation by altering bits through obfuscation (bit-flipping or scrambling). This transformation maintains the data in a retrievable form for persistent storage while changing its intelligibility, so the same physical storage medium holds both durable and protected data.
Data Source
AI summary
Data obfuscation is generally discussed herein. In one or more embodiments, a memory circuit can include a storage portion including entries with corresponding addresses, one or more of the entries configured to include data stored thereon, and processing circuitry to read first data from a first entry of the entries, alter the first data by at least one of: (1) flipping one or more bits of the first data, (2) scrambling two or more bits of the first data, and (3) altering an address of the first data, and write the altered first data to the storage portion.