Non-Volatile Memory Data Invalidation With Power-Event Scrambling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Memory devices with non-volatile properties leave sensitive information susceptible to data harvesting by malicious actors due to retained logic states after power disconnection, as traditional data invalidation methods are inadequate.
Innovation Solution
Implement scrambling sequences generated by a hash function based on random numbers to access memory cells, changing with each power event, ensuring data is scrambled before and after power events to prevent unauthorized access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If non-volatile memory cells are used to store sensitive information, then data retention capability is improved, but security against data harvesting is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by scrambling data with a first scrambling sequence before writing to non-volatile memory cells. This pre-processing ensures that even if data is retained after power loss, it remains encrypted and inaccessible to unauthorized users. The scrambling operation is performed in advance of the potential security threat (data harvesting after power disconnection).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by changing the scrambling sequence dynamically based on power events. A first scrambling sequence is used before power disconnection, and a second different scrambling sequence is used after power reconnection. This dynamic rekeying ensures that data retained in non-volatile memory cannot be decrypted by attackers who might have accessed the first scrambling sequence, thus maintaining security while utilizing non-volatile storage.
2Device complexity
If traditional data invalidation methods are used in non-volatile memory, then device simplicity is maintained, but security effectiveness is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the scrambling sequence parameter based on power events. Instead of using a static scrambling sequence, the system transitions from a first scrambling sequence to a second scrambling sequence after a power event. This parameter change approach provides strong security effectiveness while maintaining relatively simple device architecture, as it leverages existing scrambling hardware with added sequence management logic.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and devices for memory operations are described. First scrambling sequences may be generated for first addresses of a memory device after an occurrence of a first event, where the first addresses may be associated with commands received at the memory device. Portions of the memory array corresponding to the first address may be accessed based on the first scrambling sequences. After an occurrence of a subsequent event, second scrambling sequences may be generated for the first addresses, where the second scrambling sequences may be different than the first set of scrambling sequences. After the occurrence of the subsequent event, the portions of the memory array may be accessed based on the second scrambling sequences.