Security switch

• US 8,924,708 B2
• Filed: 08/19/2013
• Issued: 12/30/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 01/22/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: David Yoffe, Simon Yoffe
• Original Assignee: David Yoffe, Simon Yoffe
• Inventors: Yoffe, Simon, Yoffe, David
• Primary Examiner(s): Reza, Mohammad W
• Application Number:
  US13/969,748
• Publication Number:
  US 20130340069A1
• Time in Patent Office: 498 Days
• Field of Search: 713/152
• US Class Current: 713/152
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 21/30 Authentication, i.e. establishing the identity or authorisation of security principals
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 21/55 Detecting local intrusion or implementing counter-measures
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 21/70 Protecting specific internal or peripheral components, in which the protection of a component leads to protection of the entire computer
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 21/82 Protecting input, output or interconnection devices
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 21/85 interconnection devices, e.g. bus-connected or in-line devices

Abstract

System and method for securing a personal device that includes a device core and a peripheral device from unauthorized access or operation. The system comprises an isolated switch, included fully or partially within an envelope of the personal device. The isolated switch cannot be affected in its operation by either the device core or the peripheral device. The switch may be operated by an authorized user of the personal device either preemptively or in response to a detected threat. In some embodiments, the isolated switch includes an isolated controller which can send one or more signals to the peripheral device and/or part of peripheral device. In some embodiments, the isolated switch includes an isolated internal component and an isolated external component, both required to work together to trigger the isolated switch operation. In some embodiments, the isolated switch includes an isolated disconnector for connecting and disconnecting the device core from part of the peripheral device.

Claims

1. A system for securing a personal device that includes a device core and a peripheral device from unauthorized access or operation, the personal device having an envelope or surface, the system comprising an internal isolated switch having operating functions that cannot be affected by either the personal device core or by a peripheral device, wherein the isolated switch includes an internal component located within the envelope or at least partially on the surface of the personal device and wherein the isolated switch internal component is selected from the group consisting of a mechanical element without an electrically operated bypass and an electronic/electrical element separated electrically from elements or components of the personal device.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the isolated switch further includes an isolated disconnector for connecting and disconnecting the device core from the peripheral device or from a part of the peripheral device.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the isolated switch further includes an isolated controller which can send a signal to the peripheral device or to a part of the peripheral device but which cannot be operated or affected by the personal device, the isolated controller thereby being capable of affecting operation of the peripheral device or of the part of the peripheral device.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the isolated switch further includes an isolated external component and wherein the isolated internal and external components trigger together the isolated switch operation.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the peripheral device further includes a user input component and wherein the isolated switch includes an isolated user input logic module for reading user inputs.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the peripheral device is selected form the group consisting of a USB key, a USB MSD device, a USB Bluetooth device, a USB wireless device, a non-USB MSD device, a display and a memory.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the internal component includes a plurality of elements distributed in the personal device.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein at least one element of the isolated switch is located in a component of the peripheral device.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the isolated switch is configured to operate as man in the middle between the device core and the peripheral device, thereby being capable of affecting information exchanged between the device core and the peripheral device.

10. The system of claim 3, wherein the isolated controller is implemented as a central processing unit.

11. The system of claim 5, wherein the isolated user input logic module is implemented as a central processing unit.

12. The system of claim 2, wherein the isolated disconnector is operable to cut power to the peripheral device or to a part of the peripheral thereby effecting power savings.

13. The system of claim 3, wherein the isolated controller is operative to manipulate signal and/or data exchanged between the device core and the peripheral device.

14. The system of claim 5, wherein the isolated switch includes an indicator for displaying fully or partially the read user inputs.

15. The system of claim 9, wherein the isolated switch includes an indicator for displaying fully or partially the information exchanged between the device core and the peripheral device.

16. A method for securing a personal device that includes a device core and a peripheral device from unauthorized access or operation, comprising the steps of:

a) providing an internal isolated switch having operating functions that cannot be affected by either the personal device core or the peripheral device, wherein the isolated switch includes an internal component located within the envelope or at least partially on the surface of the personal device, wherein the isolated switch internal component is selected from the group consisting of a mechanical element without an electrically operated bypass and an electronic/electrical element separated electrically from elements or components of the personal device, and wherein the isolated switch is configured to act as man in the middle between the device core and the peripheral device; and

b) using the isolated switch to protect the device from unauthorized use or access.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the step of using includes having an authorized user operate the switch to approve, disapprove or stop operations between the device core and the peripheral device.

18. The method of claim 16, wherein the step of using includes having an authorized user operate the switch to modify signal and/or data exchanged between the device core and the peripheral device.

19. The method of claim 16, wherein the step of using includes displaying fully or partially, to the authorized user, information exchanged between the device core and the peripheral device.

20. The method of claim 16, wherein the step of using includes using the isolated switch in a secure lock mode, thereby providing anti-theft protection.