Methods and apparatus for providing a memory challenge and response
AssigneeXTec, Incorporated
InventorAlberto J. Fernandez
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Techniques are described for providing a memory challenge and response to allow access to a protected memory area of a semiconductor memory or to authenticate the data written therein. These techniques may be combined with known cryptographic approaches. Further data stored in the protected areas may include mediametric values to further enhance security.
Claims16
A method for providing a memory challenge and response capacity to a semiconductor memory comprising the steps of:
- storing an expected response value in an expected response area of memory;
- and
- storing a challenge value in a challenge area of memory, said challenge value being used to generate the proper response used to allow access to a protected area of the semiconductor memory.
An apparatus for providing a memory challenge and response capacity to a semiconductor memory comprising:
- means for storing an expected value in an expected response area of memory;
- and
- means for storing a challenge value in a challenge area of memory, said challenge value being used to generate the proper response used to allow access to a protected area of the semiconductor memory.
A method of authenticating data in a memory device comprising the steps of:
- performing a challenge comprising data stored in an area of memory containing expected values;
- and
- utilizing a response cryptographically related to the challenge.
A method of performing mediametric authentication of contactless devices such as inductively coupled devices comprising the steps of:
- measuring the signal amplitudes, rates of change, and timing characteristics as well as other device and/or class of device specific parameters to create a profile of the device being evaluated;
- and
- comparing the resulting profile to the previously known and trusted profile of the device or class of devices to determine authenticity.
A method of performing mediametric authentication of contactless devices such as inductively coupled devices comprising the steps of:
- measuring communication characteristics of a contactless device, said characteristics uniquely identify the contactless device;
- creating a profile from the measured characteristics;
- storing the profile of the characteristics on the contactless device;
- when presenting the contactless device for a transaction, reading the profile from the contactless device;
- measuring the communication characteristics of the contactless device;
- and
- comparing the read profile with the communication characteristics.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.