Mobile Data Storage Device Factory Reset via Optical Code Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile data storage devices face difficulties in performing a complete and secure factory reset due to security functionalities and physical constraints, such as Replay Protected Memory Block (RPMB) techniques and Write Protect mechanisms, which hinder the erasure of user data and configuration settings.
Innovation Solution
A mobile data storage device with a non-volatile storage medium and a controller that receives a unique access passcode from a machine-readable optical code, validates it, and restores the device to factory settings by disabling security functionalities and removing user data, allowing for a controlled and secure reset without physical disconnection from the host system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If security functionalities (RPMB, Write Protect) are enabled to protect user data, then data security is improved, but the ability to perform complete factory reset is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
A machine-readable optical code is introduced as an intermediary authentication mechanism. This code, stored on the device housing, serves as a mediator between the security system and the factory reset function. When a reset is requested, the system validates the optical code against stored authentication data, allowing the reset to proceed only when properly authenticated, thus bypassing the security restrictions without compromising overall data protection.
2Loss of information
If physical disconnection is required to perform factory reset, then complete data erasure is improved, but device complexity and operational difficulty are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed to perform the factory reset operation on its own while connected to the host system, without requiring physical disconnection or external intervention. The authentication mechanism using the optical code enables the device to self-validate and self-reset, maintaining data erasure effectiveness while dramatically simplifying the operational procedure.
3Reliability
If authentication mechanism is added to enable factory reset, then security control is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of implementing a complex internal authentication system, the patent uses a copy of the authentication data in the form of a machine-readable optical code on the device housing. This external copy simplifies the internal system structure while maintaining strong authentication capabilities, as the optical code can be read by external devices without requiring complex internal storage or processing mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile data storage device (DSD) incorporating a mobile data storage device (DSD), the mobile DSD comprising a non-volatile storage medium configured to store user data, a data path configured to transmit at least data between the mobile DSD and a host computer system, a housing having a machine readable optical code and a controller. The controller is configured to receive, from the data path, a request to restore the mobile DSD to factory settings. The controller also receives, from the data path, a unique access passcode derived from the machine readable optical code. The controller validates the unique access passcode, and, in response to determining that the unique access passcode is valid, restores the mobile DSD to factory settings.