Method and Apparatus for Erasure of Data from a Data Storage Device Located on a Vehicle

• US 20110004938A1
• Filed: 08/08/2007
• Published: 01/06/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 08/08/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
• Original Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
• Inventors: Dalzell, William J., Tucker, James L., Fleischman, Scott G.
• Granted Patent: US 9,135,473 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 726/26
• CPC Class Codes: F42D 3/00 Particular applications of blasting techniques explosive welding B23K20/08; explosive bolts or actuators F42B3/006; explosive valves F16K13/06; cutting devices actuated by explosion B23D15/145; pyrotechnical actuators F15B15/19; switching devices actuated by explosion H01H39/00
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 21/62 Protecting access to data via a platform, e.g. using keys or access control rules
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 21/78 to assure secure storage of data address-based protection against unauthorised use of memory G06F12/14; record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings G06K19/00
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2221/2113 Multi-level security, e.g. mandatory access control
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2221/2143 Clearing memory, e.g. to prevent the data from being stolen

Abstract

A method and system for destroying information stored on a data storage device located onboard a vehicle in order to prevent unfriendly forces from obtaining the information is described. The method and system are initiated when the operator of the vehicle activates a triggering mechanism. The information may be destroyed by physically damaging the data storage device on which the information is stored or by releasing a software virus into the device on which the sensitive information is stored. A software virus may also be transmitted to a computer of an unfriendly force attempting to access the sensitive information.

Claims

1. A method for destroying information on a data storage device located onboard a vehicle operated by an operator, comprising:

designating sensitive information to be destroyed upon activation of a triggering mechanism;

detecting a signal created by the triggering mechanism and activated by the operator; and

destroying the sensitive information in response to detecting the signal from the triggering mechanism.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein designating the sensitive information occurs before the vehicle is deployed.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising removing an anti-tamper shield before activating the triggering mechanism.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the vehicle is a plane, wherein the operator is a pilot, and wherein the pilot activates the triggering mechanism by activating an ejector seat on the plane.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein destroying the sensitive information includes releasing a software virus into the data storage device.

6. The method of claim 1, further comprising transmitting a software virus to a computer attempting to access the data storage device.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein destroying the sensitive information includes using chemical explosives.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein destroying the sensitive information includes imparting physical damage to the data storage device via impact.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein destroying the sensitive information includes passing a magnet over the data storage device.

10. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

coupling an initiation device to the triggering mechanism; and

locating a destruct device near the data storage device, wherein the initiation device activates the destruct device in response to detecting the signal from the triggering mechanism, and wherein the destruct device destroys the sensitive information.

11. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

designating confidential information to be destroyed upon detection of unfriendly attempts to access the confidential information;

detecting unfriendly attempts to access the confidential information; and

destroying the confidential information in response to detecting unfriendly attempts to access the confidential information.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein destroying the confidential information includes transmitting a software virus to a computer attempting to access the confidential information.

13. A method for destroying information on a data storage device located onboard a vehicle operated by an operator, comprising:

designating sensitive information to be destroyed upon activation of a triggering mechanism;

designating confidential information to be destroyed upon detection of unfriendly attempts to access the confidential information;

storing the sensitive information on a first data storage device;

storing the confidential information on a second storage device;

locating a destruct device near the first data storage device such that activation of the destruct device destroys the sensitive information;

detecting a signal from the triggering mechanism and activated by the operator;

destroying the sensitive information in response to detecting the signal created from the triggering mechanism;

detecting unfriendly attempts to access the confidential information; and

destroying the confidential information in response to detecting unfriendly attempts to access the confidential information.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein destroying the sensitive information includes a mechanism selected from the group comprising releasing a software virus into the first data storage device, using chemical explosives, using chemicals, using a magnet, and imparting physical damage to the first data storage device.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein destroying the confidential information includes releasing a software virus into the second data storage device, wherein the software virus destroys the confidential information.

16. The method of claim 13, further comprising transmitting a software virus to a computer attempting to access the second data storage device.

17. A system for destroying information stored on a data storage device located onboard a vehicle operated by an operator, comprising:

a triggering mechanism located on the vehicle;

an initiation device coupled to the triggering mechanism; and

a destruct device located in the vehicle, wherein the initiation device activates the destruct device when the triggering mechanism is activated, and wherein the destruct device destroys information stored on the data storage device.

18. The system of claim 17, wherein the triggering device is a trigger that initiates an ejector seat system on an aircraft.

19. The system of claim 17, wherein the destruct device is selected from the group consisting of chemical explosive, a chemical, a magnet, a computer virus, and a mechanical device that physically damages the data storage device.

20. The system of claim 17, further comprising an anti-tamper shield that fits over the triggering mechanism.