Non-Volatile Memory Self-Destruction for Unauthorized Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for protecting non-volatile solid-state memory from unauthorized access are inadequate, particularly in scenarios where devices are disposed of or tampered with, risking data leakage from embedded memory.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a memory controller that directs an electric current exceeding the rated current of the memory in response to a trigger event, followed by an operability test to ensure irreversible destruction of the memory, thereby preventing unauthorized access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the memory is destroyed by directing an electric current exceeding the rated current, then data protection from unauthorized access is improved, but the risk of damaging legitimate operations or causing false destruction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by storing a trigger event threshold in the memory before destruction occurs. When the trigger event count reaches or exceeds this pre-stored threshold, the memory controller initiates destruction. This preliminary setup ensures that destruction only occurs under specific authorized conditions, preventing false destruction while maintaining data protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The memory controller continuously monitors the trigger event count and compares it against the stored threshold. This feedback mechanism allows the system to distinguish between legitimate access patterns and unauthorized access attempts, enabling selective destruction only when the threshold is met, thus avoiding unnecessary damage to operational memory.
2Measurement precision
If the memory controller monitors and counts trigger events to determine when to destroy the memory, then accuracy of destruction timing is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The memory controller performs multiple functions using existing hardware resources: it monitors trigger events, counts occurrences, stores the threshold, and executes destruction. By making the controller multi-functional, the system achieves accurate destruction timing without adding separate dedicated components, thus limiting the increase in device complexity.
3Reliability
If the system requires a trigger event threshold to be met before destroying the memory, then false destruction is reduced, but response time to unauthorized access increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a threshold-based approach that may appear excessive at first, but it is optimized to balance false prevention with timely response. The threshold is set to distinguish between normal operational access and unauthorized access patterns, ensuring that legitimate operations are not blocked while still providing timely protection against actual threats.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution effectively protects data by irreversibly destroying the memory upon detection of unauthorized access attempts, ensuring data security and reducing the risk of data recovery.
Implementation Method 1
destroying the memory by directing through the memory an electric current exceeding a rated current of the memory
Data Source
AI summary
An approach is provided for protecting data stored by a non-volatile solid-state memory from an unauthorized access. In response to a trigger event indicating an increased probability of the unauthorized access, the memory is destroyed by directing through the memory an electric current exceeding a rated current of the memory, and testing an operability of the memory, where the destruction is completed when the test indicates lacking operability of the memory.