Security device and method for information processing apparatus

• US 20060282902A1
• Filed: 11/28/2005
• Published: 12/14/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 06/10/2005
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Panasonic Corporation (Panasonic Holdings Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Panasonic Corporation (Panasonic Holdings Corporation)
• Inventors: Matsushita, Hisashi
• Application Number:
  US11/287,782
• Publication Number:
  US 20060282902A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 726/26
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 21/31 User authentication
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 21/554 involving event detection and direct action
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 21/575 Secure boot

Abstract

Security data such as a password is stored as backup in flash memory in a PC, and even if someone removes a coin battery for CMOS backup from the PC, the removal is detected and the data backed up in the flash memory is reset in the CMOS. This feature strengthens the prevention of data theft from recording media such as HDDs due to unauthorized use or access of PCs.

Claims

1. A security device for an information processing apparatus, the security device comprising:

a first recording medium which is installed in the information processing apparatus and which stores legitimate security data entered at a time of starting the information processing apparatus;

a second recording medium which is installed in the information processing apparatus and which stores the legitimate security data; and

a detection means for detecting that the legitimate security data stored in the first recording medium has been one of being erased and damaged, wherein

when the detection means has detected that the legitimate security data stored in the first recording medium has been one of being erased and damaged, the legitimate security data stored in the second recording medium is stored in the first recording medium.

2. A security method for an information processing apparatus provided with a plurality of recording media, the security method comprising:

detecting that legitimate security data stored in a first recording medium has been one of being erased and damaged; and

upon detection that the legitimate security data stored in the first recording medium has been one of being erased and damaged, storing the legitimate security data stored in a second recording medium in the first recording medium.