Data security device for protecting stored data

A security device for protecting stored sensitive data comprising:

• a closed housing containing memory means adapted to store sensitive data;
• a plurality of first and second substantially parallel conductive path means mounted in a winding configuration on the entire inner surface of said housing, said conductive path means being spaced from adjacent conductive path means by a distance of less than 26 micrometers thereby preventing the penetration of the housing without cracking the housing by the drilling of a small hole or the like in the housing which would not interrupt the conductive path means;
• and
• tamper detection circuitry including first and second sensing means connected respectively to said first and second conductive path means and to said memory means and responsive to an interruption of the respective first and second conductive path means to generate respective first and second control signals, said detection circuitry further including reset signal generating means connected to said first and second sensing means and being adapted in response to the generation of either of said first and second control signals to generate a reset signal to erase the contents of said memory means in the event of an interruption of said first and second conductive path means brought about by an attempt to penetrate said housing by the drilling of said small hole.