Removable storage device and authentication method

An authentication method of authenticating whether data is allowed to be exchanged between a removable storage device having an interface defined by a predetermined format and a data storage part in which data is stored and an external device connected to the interface, the authentication method comprising:

• a step of selecting an authentication method;
• a first authentication step of verifying whether a fingerprint read by a fingerprint reading sensor which reads a fingerprint is matched with a fingerprint registered beforehand by comparing them in accordance with the selection in the step of selecting an authentication method;
• a second authentication step of verifying whether character and symbol information extracted based on traces drawn on the fingerprint reading sensor is matched with registered character and symbol information registered beforehand by comparing them in accordance with the selection by the authentication method selecting step;
• and
• a determining step of determining whether to grant the external device access to the data storage part in accordance with an authentication result by the first authentication step or/and an authentication result by the second authentication step,
• wherein the determining step grants the external device access to the data storage part when the first authentication step verifies that the fingerprint is matched, or/and the second authentication step verifies that character information is matched.

A removable storage device comprising:

• an interface which is defined by a predetermined format and to which an external device is connectable;
• a data storage part in which data is stored and data is exchanged between the data storage part and the external device connected to the interface;
• a fingerprint reading sensor configured to read a fingerprint;
• an authentication method selection unit configured to select an authentication method;
• a first authentication unit configured to verify whether the fingerprint read by the fingerprint reading sensor is matched with a fingerprint registered beforehand by comparing them in accordance with the selection by the authentication method selection unit;
• a second authentication unit configured to verify whether character and symbol information extracted based on traces drawn on the fingerprint reading sensor is matched with registered character and symbol information registered beforehand by comparing them in accordance with the selection by the authentication method selection unit;
• and
• a determination unit configured to determine whether to grant the external device access to the data storage part in accordance with an authentication result by the first authentication unit or/and an authentication result by the second authentication unit,
• wherein the determination unit grants the external device access to the data storage part when the first authentication unit verifies that the fingerprint is matched, or/and the second authentication unit verifies that character information is matched.