Tamper-Sensitive Housing Integration for Electronic Device Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices lack effective mechanisms to prevent unauthorized physical access and tampering, which can compromise sensitive data stored in memory devices.
Innovation Solution
Integration of tamper-sensitive materials into the housing of electronic devices, coupled with sensors and tamper-responsive electronics, to detect and respond to physical tampering by zeroizing data in memory devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If tamper-sensitive materials are integrated into the housing to detect physical access attempts, then data security is improved through automatic zeroization, but device complexity increases due to additional sensors and tamper-responsive electronics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple security functions into a unified system where tamper-sensitive material, sensors, and zeroization logic are integrated. The housing structure itself becomes part of the security mechanism by incorporating tamper-sensitive material directly into it, merging structural protection with security detection functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The tamper-responsive electronics serve multiple functions: detecting tamper events through sensors, determining whether to zeroize data based on pre-defined conditions, and executing the zeroization process. This multi-functional approach reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each security operation.
2Reliability
If sensors are added to detect when the shell moves away from the circuit board, then tamper detection capability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs thin film sensors that can be integrated into the housing structure. These flexible thin film sensors conform to the housing geometry and can be manufactured using deposition or lamination processes, reducing manufacturing complexity compared to rigid sensor assemblies.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If anti-tamper material is integrated into the housing to protect memory and electronics, then physical security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates anti-tamper material directly into the housing structure, creating a composite construction where the housing itself provides both structural support and tamper detection/protection functions. This eliminates the need for separate protective layers or components.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and apparatus disclosed herein provide for a tamper resistant electronic device. The electronic device can include a circuit board, a shell, an anti-tamper material, a memory, one or more sensors, and tamper responsive electronics. The one or more sensors can be configured to sense when the shell moves away from the circuit board. The anti-tamper material can be integrated into the first portion of the shell and disposed to protect the memory, one or more sensors, and the tamper responsive electronics. The tamper responsive electronics on the circuit board can be coupled to the anti-tamper material and the one or more sensors, and can be configured to zeroize data in the memory if tampering is sensed by the anti-tamper material or if one or more of the one or more sensors sense the shell has moved away from the circuit board.