Device and method for controlling usage of a memory card

A method of controlling operation of a storage device, the method comprising:

• in the storage device:
• sending, to a device, an encrypted code to use a first key and a second key stored on an identity card in order to allow access to one or more secure portions of the storage device, the storage device operatively interfacing with the device, the device configured to interface with the identity card, the first key and the second key being stored on the identity card prior to sending the encrypted code;
• receiving a response to the encrypted code, the response received solely through the device and being a derivative of the first key and the second key stored on the identity card, the derivative being a decryption of the encrypted code with the first key and then a reencryption with the second key;
• decrypting the response;
• determining whether the decrypted response matches the code;
• and
• allowing access to the one or more secure portions of the storage device in response to determining that the decrypted response matches the code and preventing access to the one or more secure portions in response to determining that the decrypted response does not match the code.

A storage device comprising:

• a memory including one or more secure portions;
• and
• a controller coupled to the memory and configured to operatively interface with a device that is configured to interface with an identity card, the controller further configured to:
• encrypt data with a first key;
• send, to the device, the encrypted data to use keys stored on the identity card in order to authorize the identity card;
• receive a response to the encrypted data, the response communicated solely through the device and being generated by decrypting and then reencrypting the encrypted data using the keys stored in the identity card;
• decrypt the response using a second key;
• determine whether the decrypted response matches the data;
• and
• allow access to the one or more secure portions of the storage device in response to determining that the decrypted response matches the data and prevent access to the one or more secure portions in response to determining that the decrypted response does not match the data.