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Secure Data Access in Hybrid Disk Drives: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba's Patent

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Developers Annie Mylang Le and Yichang Chan from Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba have created a patented system for secure data access in hybrid disk drives. This innovation aims to prevent unauthorized access in hybrid drives, which combine the storage capacity of traditional hard disk drives (HDDs) with the speed of solid-state drives (SSDs). The system stores a copy of drive security data in both the non-volatile solid-state memory and the magnetic storage device, ensuring that the drive remains locked if either component is tampered with.

Key Takeaways:

  • The patented system, filed on March 7, 2013, and published on February 3, 2015, uses a double-copy method to ensure secure data access in hybrid disk drives.
  • Drive security data, such as hashed passwords or drive-unique identification numbers, is stored in both the non-volatile solid-state memory and the magnetic storage device.
  • If the copies do not match, the hybrid drive is locked to prevent unauthorized access.
  • The system can be implemented using various methods, including receiving password data from both devices and comparing it to grant or deny access.
  • The patented system has the potential to securely enable user login and prevent unauthorized access in hybrid drives.

Statistics:

  • The patent, US 8949975, was filed on March 7, 2013, and published online on February 3, 2015.
  • The system requires a double-copy of drive security data to prevent unauthorized access.
  • The implementation involves receiving data from both devices and comparing it to grant or deny access.
  • According to the patent, an unauthorized user can target data stored on the magnetic disks of the drive by replacing the non-volatile solid-state memory with an unlocked version.

Sources:

  • Le, Annie Mylang; Chan, Yichang. Secure Data Access in Hybrid Disk Drive. U.S. Patent Number 8949975, filed March 7, 2013, and published online on February 3, 2015. Patent URL: http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PALL&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.htm&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=8949975.PN.&OS=PN/8949975RS=PN/8949975

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