Methods and apparatus for access data recovery from a malfunctioning device
OwnerStephan V. Schellinventor
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Abstract
Methods and apparatus for recovering access data from a malfunctioning device. In one embodiment, trained service personnel are provided a specialized apparatus for retrieving access data from a malfunctioning device. For example, in the instance the device comprises a cellular device having an unrecoverable hardware failure, trained service personnel can connect to the secure element and retrieve the one or more electronic Subscriber Identity Modules (eSIMs) stored thereon. The eSIMs are then “reclaimed” and reprogrammed/distributed to a new device. In one implementation, security and integrity measures are taken to protect and control distribution of sensitive access data.
Claims20
A wireless apparatus, comprising:
- a communications interface;
- a power supply;
- a processor;
- an electronic Universal Integrated Circuit Card (eUICC) adapted to store a plurality of electronic Subscriber Identity Modules (eSIMs) wherein each eSIM of the plurality of eSIMs enables the wireless apparatus to access a particular cellular network using the communications interface;
- and
- a bypass interface, wherein the bypass interface;
- comprises a power input, a data input, a data output, and a clock input, and
- provides access to the plurality of eSIMs without requiring the communications interface, the power supply, and the processor to be operable.
A method for recovering at least one electronic Subscriber Identity Module (eSIM) from a wireless device that is inoperable, the method comprising:
- at a retrieval device:
- establishing, using a bypass interface included in the wireless device, a secure connection to an electronic Universal Integrated Circuit Card (eUICC) included in the wireless device, wherein the eUICC stores the at least one eSIM, the bypass interface comprises a power input, a data input, a data output, and a clock input, and the bypass interface operates when the wireless device is inoperable;
- exchanging cryptographic material with the eUICC;
- retrieving the at least one eSIM from the eUICC, wherein the at least one eSIM is encrypted based at least in part on the cryptographic material;
- and
- voiding the at least one eSIM within the eUICC.
A method for providing at least one electronic Subscriber Identity Module (eSIM) to a retrieval device, the method comprising:
- at an inoperable wireless device including a bypass interface that comprises a power input, a data input, a data output, and a clock input:
- responsive to a connection to the retrieval device:
- entering into a recovery mode, and
- exchanging, with the retrieval device, cryptographic material to secure the connection to the retrieval device;
- responsive to a request for the at least one eSIM, providing the at least one eSIM to the retrieval device, wherein the at least one eSIM is stored in an electronic Universal Integrated Circuit Card (eUICC) included in the wireless device;
- and
- subsequent to providing the at least one eSIM, voiding the at least one eSIM within the eUICC.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.