In-circuit security system and methods for controlling access to and use of sensitive data

摘要

The invention disclosed herein is an in-circuit security system for electronic devices. The in-circuit security system incorporates identity credential verification, secure data and instruction storage, and secure data transmission capabilities. It comprises a single semiconductor chip, and is secured using industry-established mechanisms for preventing information tampering or eavesdropping, such as the addition of oxygen reactive layers. This invention also incorporates means for establishing security settings, profiles, and responses for the in-circuit security system and enrolled individuals. The in-circuit security system can be used in a variety of electronic devices, including handheld computers, secure facility keys, vehicle operation/ignition systems, and digital rights management.

主权项

1. An apparatus, comprising:
a single integrated circuit having
a first portion including an identity credential verification subsystem, the identity credential verification subsystem configured to identify a user based on a stored identity credential and to verify the user based on a security privilege associated with the stored identity credential,a second portion associated with functionality of the single integrated circuit not used during operation of the identity credential verification subsystem, the second portion configured to be enabled when the identity credential verification subsystem has identified the user based on the stored identity credential and verified the user based on the security privilege associated with the identity credential, the second portion configured to be disabled when the identity credential verification subsystem has not at least one of (1) identified the user based on the stored identity credential, or (2) verified the user based on the security privilege associated with the stored identity credential,a power source, anda real-time clock configured to generate data when the second portion of the single integrated circuit is enabled and the real-time clock is operatively connected to the power source.