Data security device for controlling access to external data drives

A data security device for a computer system for controlling addition and removal of data using an external data drive coupled to said computer system, comprising:

• a computer system including a microprocessor, memory, internal data storage, a power supply, and an external data drive;
• and
• access control means, coupled between said power supply and said external data drive, for selectively making or breaking an electrical connection between said power supply and said external data drive to prevent the addition and removal of data from said computer system using said external data drive, said access control means including:
• a switch coupled to said power supply and having on and off states;
• timing means, coupled to said switch, for generating a timing signal when said switch is in said off state for a first period;
• means, coupled to said timing means and said switch, for making an electrical connection between said switch and said external data drive until said timing signal is received and for breaking said electrical connection when said timing signal is received.

A method for controlling the addition and removal of data from a computer system using an external data drive coupled to said computer system, comprising the steps of:

• providing a switch, a lock and a key;
• making or breaking an electrical connection between a power supply and an external data drive using said switch, said lock and said key;
• and
• preventing the addition and removal of data from said computer system from said external data drive using said switch, said lock and said key.