Method and apparatus for preventing un-authorized computer data access
First Claim
1. An apparatus for preventing unauthorized access to computer data, the apparatus being part of a computer system, the apparatus comprising:
- a) motherboard connection means for receiving electronic read/write commands from a motherboard of the computer system, each command issued by a user of the computer system;
b) filter means for scrutinizing the commands and determining whether the commands are permitted to be transferred to a data storage device, or a particular portion thereof, associated with the computer system based on a pre-determined level of data access corresponding to the user;
c) data storage device connection means for transferring only permitted commands to the data storage device or particular portion thereof.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An apparatus and method of preventing unauthorized access to computer data. The apparatus is installed in a computer system between the main board and an associated data storage device, for example a hard drive. Read/write commands from the motherboard to the hard drive are intercepted and scrutinized by a filter means of the apparatus. If the pre-determined level of data access of the user issuing the command is insufficient to permit the type of access that is being sought (eg: write access is sought, but the user only has permission for read access on that particular hard drive partition), then the command is blocked. An identity means, for example an RFID, may also be included that identifies an authorized user and corresponding level of data access. The apparatus and method may be employed as a stand-alone solution or as part of a computer network.
46 Citations
24 Claims
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1. An apparatus for preventing unauthorized access to computer data, the apparatus being part of a computer system, the apparatus comprising:
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a) motherboard connection means for receiving electronic read/write commands from a motherboard of the computer system, each command issued by a user of the computer system;
b) filter means for scrutinizing the commands and determining whether the commands are permitted to be transferred to a data storage device, or a particular portion thereof, associated with the computer system based on a pre-determined level of data access corresponding to the user;
c) data storage device connection means for transferring only permitted commands to the data storage device or particular portion thereof. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A method for use with a computer system to prevent unauthorized access to computer data comprising:
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a) receiving electronic read/write commands from a motherboard of the computer system, each command issued by a user of the computer system;
b) scrutinizing the commands and determining whether the commands are permitted to be transferred to a data storage device, or a particular portion thereof, associated with the computer system based on a pre-determined level of data access corresponding to the user;
c) transferring only permitted commands to the data storage device or particular portion thereof. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24)
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Specification