US 12,664,295 B2 · Tamper and zeroization response unit

Abstract

A device that encapsulates functions necessary to sanitize an electronic system after detecting tampering or when user zeroization occurs. The device includes a FPGA, sensors, external tamper sensors, a battery, interfaces or discrete signals required to execute sanitization of hard drives, flash, registers, etc. The device issues a sanitization response through interface commands Manual sanitization (zeroization) can be achieved two ways, locally or through a remote zeroize button/switch/discrete. The sanitization response is activated through monitoring the tamper sensors. The sanitization response will destroy stored data and encryption keys before they can be compromised. The sanitization response could produce a notification that an event has occurred. The system can provide data protection without main line or standby power. Sensors could include, chassis intrusion switches, motion detectors, radiation sensors, light sensors, temperature sensors, magnetic sensors, or other external inputs.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A system with reduced risk of unauthorized access to data in an electronic system, the electronic system comprising:

an electronic apparatus with:
a data storage device;
a processor;
a direct current power source;
wherein said direct current power source is electrically coupled to and provides power to both said processor and said data storage device;
a stand-alone tamper and zeroization response unit, wherein said stand-alone tamper and zeroization response unit is a data sanitization implement includes:
(i) circuitry to detect tampering and automatically command a data sanitization, (ii) circuitry to allow a human to command data zeroization, and (iii) a battery therein for providing power to a data storage device for the purpose of zeroizing data therein when no power is being otherwise provided to the data storage device, coupled with said data storage device via a link which provides both power and a signal, to the data storage device for the purpose of sanitizing said data storage device;
and
said link;
never provides power to said processor, and is used to provide power to said data storage device irrespective of the operational state of said direct current power source.

7 more elements

A method of sanitizing an electronic apparatus comprising the steps of:

providing a stand-alone tamper and zeroization response unit, wherein said stand-alone tamper and zeroization response unit is a data sanitization implement that includes:
(i) circuitry to detect tampering and automatically command a data sanitization, (ii) circuitry to allow a human to command data zeroization, and (iii) a battery therein for providing power to a data storage device for the purpose of zeroizing data therein when no power is being otherwise provided to the data storage device;
electrically linking said stand-alone tamper and zeroization response unit to an electronic apparatus having therein:
an internal data storage device,
a microprocessor, and
a direct current power source:
providing a signal and power to said internal data storage device, via a link extending between said electronic apparatus and said stand-alone tamper and zeroization response unit;
for the purpose of reducing unauthorized access to data stored on said internal data storage device;
wherein said link never provides power to said microprocessor;
and
said direct current power source is electrically coupled to and provides power to both said microprocessor and said internal data storage device.

8 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Tamper and zeroization response unit

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Tamper and zeroization response unit

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Abstract

Claims20