Memory storage device with a fingerprint sensor and method for protecting the data therein

A memory storage device to be connected to a terminal host, the memory storage device comprising:

• a host interface to be connected to the terminal host;
• a controller connected to the host interface;
• a fingerprint sensor, which is connected to the controller, for sensing template fingerprint data of an authorized user;
• and
• a memory module connected to the controller and partitioned into:
• a public block for storing a plurality of drivers and a plurality of application programs;
• a private block for storing to-be-protected data;
• and
• a hidden block, wherein:
• the controller communicates with the terminal host through the host interface and causes the terminal host to automatically run one of the drivers and one of the application programs, both of which are suitable for the terminal host;
• the terminal host receives an instruction coming from the authorized user through the driver and the application program so as to inform the controller to control the fingerprint sensor to read the template fingerprint data of the authorized user and to transfer the template fingerprint data to the terminal host;
• and
• the terminal host utilizes the application program to process the template fingerprint data and transmits the processed template fingerprint data to the hidden block for storage.

A method for protecting storage data in a memory storage device, which comprises:

• a host interface to be connected to a terminal host;
• a controller connected to the host interface;
• a fingerprint sensor, which is connected to the controller, for sensing template fingerprint data of an authorized user;
• and a memory module connected to the controller and partitioned into:
• a public block for storing a plurality of drivers and a plurality of application programs;
• a private block for storing to-be-protected data;
• and a hidden block, wherein after the memory storage device is electrically connected to the terminal host, the protection method comprises the steps of:
• enabling the controller to communicate with the terminal host through the host interface, and enabling the terminal host to automatically run one of the drivers and one of the application programs, both of which are suitable for the terminal host, to the terminal host;
• and
• entering a fingerprint enrolling mode or a fingerprint authentication mode, wherein
• in the fingerprint enrolling mode:
• the terminal host informs the controller to control the fingerprint sensor to read the template fingerprint data of the authorized user, and transfer the template fingerprint data to the terminal host;
• and
• the terminal host utilizes the application program to process the template fingerprint data and transmits the processed template fingerprint data to the hidden block for storage;
• and
• in the fingerprint authentication mode:
• the controller transmits the template fingerprint data to the terminal host;
• the terminal host informs the controller to control the fingerprint sensor to read to-be-recognized fingerprint data of the user and to transfer the to-be-recognized fingerprint data to the terminal host;
• and
• the terminal host utilizes the application program to process the to-be-recognized fingerprint data and the template fingerprint data, judges whether or not the to-be-recognized fingerprint data substantially matches with the template fingerprint data, and enables the private block to be accessed by terminal host if yes, or otherwise disables the private block from being accessed by the terminal host.