Self-Erasing Storage Medium for Unauthorized Access Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional illegal access prevention methods for information processing devices, such as PCs, are inadequate as they can be decoded and data can be illicitly accessed by repeatedly inputting incorrect passwords or by physically removing and reattaching storage devices, allowing unauthorized access to sensitive information.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus with a self-erasing program that is triggered when predetermined conditions are met, such as repeated incorrect password attempts or prolonged inactivity, which erases data from the storage medium to prevent unauthorized access, and continues erasure even if power is interrupted, ensuring data security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a password judgment function is provided to prevent illegal access, then security against unauthorized access is improved, but passwords can be decoded by repeatedly inputting different alphanumeric characters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of power interruption (which could prevent erasure completion) into a beneficial feature by designing a system that detects power interruptions and automatically resumes erasure operations after restart, ensuring that attempted illegal access ultimately leads to data destruction
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by setting a self-erasing program in advance that automatically executes under predetermined conditions (such as multiple failed password attempts), preventing the need for complex real-time judgment mechanisms
2Reliability
If power supply is turned off after multiple wrong password attempts to prevent access, then unauthorized access to the PC is prevented, but data on removable storage devices can still be accessed by physical removal
Solution Approach 1:
The storage device is equipped with an autonomous self-erasing function that operates independently of the host PC's power state. The device monitors its own access conditions and automatically executes erasure operations when predetermined conditions are met, making it self-protecting against physical removal attacks
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a self-erasing program as an intermediary mechanism between the password judgment function and the storage medium. This program acts as a mediator that triggers data erasure based on access conditions, bridging the gap between security requirements and physical storage protection
3Reliability
If a self-erasing program is implemented to erase data under predetermined conditions, then security against illegal access is improved, but the system requires continuous monitoring of access conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The storage device autonomously monitors its own access conditions and automatically executes erasure operations when predetermined conditions are met, eliminating the need for external monitoring systems and reducing overall system complexity
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus includes a first recording medium, a password input unit, a password judging unit, and a condition judging unit. The first recording medium is capable of recording programs and data. The password input unit requests a user to input a password. The password judging unit judges whether a password inputted to the password input unit and a password stored in advance coincide with each other. The condition judging unit judges, when the apparatus is started, whether a condition set in advance is satisfied. When the condition set in advance is satisfied, the information processing apparatus sets a self-erasing program in the first recording medium. The first recording medium self-erases programs and data recorded in the first recording medium according to the self-erasing program.