SSD Tamper Detection Structure for Automatic Secure Erase
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Solution Overview
Problem
Solid state drive (SSD) devices face security challenges such as data leakage due to potential unauthorized access or theft, as they offer high speed and low power consumption but lack robust security measures against physical tampering.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a storage device structure that includes a substrate with security pads, a data storage element, a case with contact structures for electrical connection, and sensing pins to detect changes in resistance, enabling a secure erase process when the case is opened or damaged.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If SSD devices are used for high-speed data storage, then access rate and productivity are improved, but security vulnerability increases due to lack of robust security measures against physical tampering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a secure erase function that is triggered in advance when tampering is detected. The sensing pin detects case opening or damage, and upon detection, automatically executes a secure erase operation to delete stored data before physical access can compromise the data. This preliminary action ensures security measures are taken proactively rather than reactively.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a sensing pin as an intermediary element between the case and the control logic. This sensing pin detects physical tampering conditions and mediates the trigger signal for the secure erase function, creating a reliable detection mechanism that bridges physical tampering events and security response actions.
2Reliability
If security measures are added to protect against physical tampering, then security performance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the security system into distinct functional segments: a sensing pin for detection, a controller for processing, and a secure erase function for execution. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall design while maintaining comprehensive security coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensing pin serves multiple functions: it detects case opening, detects case damage, and triggers the secure erase operation. By making this single component multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for separate sensors and control logic for each detection type, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining robust security.
3Reliability
If sensing structures are added to detect case removal, then security performance is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sensing pin structure with the existing case opening detection mechanism. The sensing pin is integrated into the case structure, and its electrical connection is merged with the existing pad layout on the substrate. This merging approach allows the security detection function to be added without requiring entirely separate manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses standard sensing pin designs and electrical connection patterns that can be replicated from existing secure storage implementations. By copying proven sensing structures and connection methods, the patent reduces manufacturing complexity while ensuring reliable security detection functionality.
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
This solution enhances security performance by allowing for the efficient and secure deletion of data when the device is compromised, preventing data leakage and ensuring user data protection.
Implementation Method 1
A level of the electrical signal varies by detecting a change in a resistance according to whether the at least one security pad is electrically connected to the at least one contact structure
Data Source
AI summary
A storage device includes a substrate, at least one data storage element, a case, and at least one sensing pin. The substrate includes at least one security pad. The data storage element is mounted on the substrate. The case surrounds the substrate and the data storage element, and includes at least one contact structure for an electrical connection with the security pad. The sensing pin receives an electrical signal. A level of the electrical signal varies by detecting a change in a resistance according to whether the security pad is electrically connected to the contact structure. When at least a part of the case is removed, a level change of the electrical signal is detected, and a secure erase process for data stored in the data storage element is performed.