Tamper Detection Device Using Non-Volatile Memory Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic tamper detection devices, such as RFID and NFC tags, face issues with transient data storage and difficulty in reliably reporting tamper events, as the detection of an open tamper loop may not be available for retrieval and can be manipulated by attackers.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a processing unit that stores data indicating an open tamper loop in non-volatile memory, with added redundancy and one-time programmable storage, to ensure persistent and secure reporting of tamper events, facilitating more detailed tamper detection reports and preventing resetting to an untampered state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If data indicating an open tamper loop is stored in transient memory, then the device can quickly detect and report tamper events, but the data may be lost or manipulated and is not available for reliable retrieval
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by storing tamper event data in non-volatile memory immediately when a tamper event is detected, rather than relying on transient memory. The processing unit is configured to detect the open tamper loop and promptly store the indication in non-volatile memory, ensuring the data is preserved before any potential loss or manipulation can occur. This proactive storage approach guarantees data availability for later retrieval and reporting.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent contrasts transient (volatile) memory with non-volatile memory, effectively replacing the 'cheap short-living' transient storage with more reliable non-volatile storage. While non-volatile memory may have higher cost or different characteristics, it eliminates the data loss problem inherent in transient memory by maintaining data persistence across power cycles and device states.
2Ease of operation
If tamper detection data can be stored and retrieved, then detailed tamper reports can be generated, but attackers may manipulate the data to reset the device to an untampered state
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by separating the tamper detection function into distinct components: the tamper loop detection mechanism, the processing unit that detects and stores the event, and the non-volatile memory that preserves the data. This segmentation ensures that even if attackers can access the device, the distributed architecture and persistent storage make it difficult to manipulate all components to falsely reset the tamper state.
Solution Approach 2:
By storing the tamper event indication in non-volatile memory as a preliminary action immediately upon detection, the system creates a permanent record that cannot be easily erased or manipulated. This preliminary storage action prevents attackers from resetting the device to an untampered state because the tamper event data persists independently of temporary system states or attacker interventions.
3Reliability
If non-volatile memory is used to store tamper event data, then data persistence and security are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the tamper detection and data storage functions into an integrated system where the processing unit directly interfaces with non-volatile memory. By combining these functions and using a unified approach to tamper event handling, the patent reduces the need for separate complex storage management systems, thereby achieving data persistence without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, an electronic tamper detection device is provided, comprising a tamper loop, a processing unit and a storage unit, wherein the processing unit is configured to detect that the tamper loop is open and to store, if the tamper loop is open, data indicating that the tamper loop has been opened in said storage unit, wherein the storage unit is a non-volatile memory. According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a corresponding tamper detection method is conceived. According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a corresponding computer program is provided.