Memory Device Password Storage Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing memory devices lack effective security measures to prevent unauthorized access and fraudulent acquisition of passwords stored in nonvolatile memory chips, as passwords are typically stored in a continuous manner, making them vulnerable to discovery if the address of a memory cell area is compromised.
Innovation Solution
The memory device stores a password as a series of partial bit strings in multiple, spaced-apart memory areas within a memory cell array, making it difficult for unauthorized users to obtain all the bit strings necessary to access the password, even if they obtain the address of one partial memory area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a password is stored in a continuous manner in a memory cell area, then the storage structure is simple and easy to implement, but the security is compromised because fraudulent acquisition of the password becomes easy if the address of the memory cell area is obtained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the password into multiple partial bit strings and stores them in separate memory cell areas instead of continuously. This segmentation prevents fraudulent acquisition because even if one memory area is compromised, the complete password cannot be reconstructed without all partial bit strings. The segmentation principle directly resolves the contradiction by sacrificing storage simplicity for enhanced security.
2Reliability
If the password is stored in spaced-apart memory areas, then the security against fraudulent acquisition is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for address conversion and scattered storage management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an address converter as an intermediary component that translates external addresses to internal addresses for accessing partial bit strings. This mediator handles the complexity of scattered storage automatically, allowing the security benefits of distributed storage while masking the underlying complexity from the user and external systems.
3Ease of operation
If all partial bit strings are stored in one memory area, then the access operation is simple and fast, but the security function is weakened because unauthorized users can easily obtain the complete password
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the password into multiple partial bit strings stored in different memory areas, which prevents unauthorized access even if one area is compromised. This segmentation maintains operational efficiency through the address converter while fundamentally weakening the attack surface for fraudulent acquisition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary anti-action by pre-distributing password components across multiple secure locations before any access attempt occurs. This proactive security measure ensures that even if an attacker gains access to one memory area, the complete password remains protected, effectively countering potential unauthorized access attempts.
Data Source
AI summary
To provide a memory device and a password storing method thereof, according to which an improved security function is realized by resourcefully designing the storage position and/or storing order of password data stored in the memory device to prevent unauthorized password acquisition. The memory device makes a determination of whether or not rewriting and/or reading of data is permitted by verification of a password, the memory device comprising a plurality of partial memory areas which store a plurality of partial bit strings that comprise a bit string of the password, and wherein the plurality of partial memory areas are located apart from each other in a memory cell array.