US 2018/0018673 A1 · SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR A SECURE PAYMENT TERMINAL WITHOUT BATTERIES

Abstract

Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide systems and methods for securing electronic devices, such as financial payment terminals, to protect sensitive data and prevent unauthorized access to confidential information. In embodiments, this is achieved without having to rely on the availability of backup energy sources. In certain embodiments, tampering attempts are thwarted by using a virtually perfect PUF circuit and PUF-generated secret or private key within a payment terminal that does not require a battery backup system and, thus, eliminates the cost associated with common battery-backed security systems. In certain embodiments, during regular operation, sensors constantly monitor the to-be-protected electronic device for tampering attempts and physical attack to ensure the physical integrity.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A secure system for protecting sensitive data without using a backup energy source, the secure system comprising:

a crypto-engine that uses one of a secret key and private key to process sensitive data;
a Physically Unclonable Function (PUF) circuit coupled to the crypto-engine, the PUF circuit generates the secret or private key;
and
a volatile memory coupled to the PUF circuit, the volatile memory stores the secret key,
wherein the secure system, in response to a security breach being detected, is de-energized to destroy the secret key or private, and
wherein the PUF circuit, in response to power to the PUF circuit being restored, re-generates the secret or private key.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Systems and methods for a secure payment terminal without batteries

Life of this patent

Systems and methods for a secure payment terminal without batteries

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20