Memory Device Key Authentication and Data Erasure

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Solution Overview

Problem

In storage devices using non-volatile memories, there is a need to effectively utilize data while preventing illegitimate acquisition, as data remains accessible even when the power is disconnected, posing a risk of unauthorized access.

Innovation Solution

A memory device management system that acquires a first key, generates a second key based on the memory device's configuration, and determines if the two keys are equal; if not, it erases the data to prevent illegitimate access by comparing the keys upon power restoration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If data is stored in non-volatile memory for effective utilization, then data availability is improved, but security against illegitimate acquisition deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata availabilityVSAvoidunauthorized access risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by generating authentication keys (first key stored in host, second key stored in memory device) before data storage operations. When the memory device is reconnected, the host retrieves the first key, generates a new second key based on current device configuration, and compares it with the stored first key. This preliminary authentication mechanism ensures data security while maintaining availability for legitimate access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The authentication key comparison mechanism acts as an intermediary between the host and memory device. The host serves as the mediator that verifies the memory device's legitimacy by comparing keys before allowing data access or restoration operations. This intermediary layer prevents direct unauthorized access while enabling legitimate data utilization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If data is erased when configuration changes to prevent illegitimate access, then security is improved, but data availability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveunauthorized access preventionVSAvoiddata availability

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring memory device configuration changes and comparing authentication keys. When the memory device is reconnected, the host retrieves the stored first key, generates a new second key based on current configuration, and compares them. If keys match (indicating legitimate reconnection), data is restored and made available. If keys differ (indicating configuration change or unauthorized removal), data is erased. This feedback loop ensures security while preserving data availability for legitimate operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS11573912B2Memory device management system, memory device management method, and non-transitory computer-readable recording medium erasing data stored in memory device if a value of a first key and second key are different

Publication Date: 2023.02.07 NEC CORP

AI summary

A memory device management system includes a first key acquisition unit that acquires a first key, a second key generation unit that generates a second key in accordance with a configuration of a memory device that is a management target, an equality determination unit that determines an equality between a value of the first key and a value of the second key, and a data erasure processing unit that erases data stored in the memory device in a case of a determination that the value of the first key and the value of the second key are different.