Storage Controller Gray-Level Read Security Degradation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage systems lack a flexible security mechanism beyond simple 'black or white' settings, failing to provide graduated access or degradation in response to security failures, such as repeated incorrect password attempts, which can lead to punitive measures like data erasure or lockout without nuanced control.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a 'gray' level security system that uses a controller to progressively impede read access to memory locations by adjusting read voltage, re-encoding data, or replacing read operations with erase operations based on the number of security failures, allowing for varying levels of data protection and access control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional binary security measures (lockout or erasure) are implemented after incorrect password attempts, then data protection is improved, but flexibility and control are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic security degradation where the level of access restriction changes progressively based on the number of failed authentication attempts. Instead of static binary measures, the system adapts security levels from read access to read-plus-write access to complete lockout, providing flexible and nuanced control over data protection
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes security parameters progressively by modifying read voltage levels and access permissions based on failure count. Each failed attempt triggers a parameter change that increases security restrictions, enabling adaptable control between complete lockout and full access states
2Reliability
If read voltage is lowered to degrade subsequent reads, then security is improved, but data readability is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by selectively lowering read voltage only for specific memory locations associated with failed authentication attempts, while maintaining normal voltage levels for other areas. This provides targeted security degradation that affects only the relevant data portions
Solution Approach 2:
The read voltage level is dynamically adjusted based on the number of failed attempts, creating a progressive security mechanism where voltage reduction increases with each failure, balancing security enhancement with operational functionality
3Reliability
If data is re-encoded with higher rate, then security is improved, but access speed is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by re-encoding only the portions of data associated with failed authentication attempts rather than the entire dataset. This selective re-encoding provides security enhancement while minimizing the performance overhead of the encoding process
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 approach enhances security by increasing the difficulty of reading data in response to security failures, providing a flexible and adaptive protection mechanism that can prevent data corruption while allowing for reversible or irreversible degradation, thus offering a more sophisticated access control system.
Implementation Method 1
degrade a subsequent read of a set of locations in the memory by lowering read voltage
Data Source
AI summary
A storage system and method for providing gray levels of read security are provided. In one embodiment, a storage system is provided comprising a memory and a controller in communication with the memory. The controller is configured to perform a test of a security feature of the storage system; and in response to failure of the test of the security feature of the storage system, degrade a subsequent read of a set of locations in the memory. Other embodiments are possible, and each of the embodiments can be used alone or together in combination.