Security keys for enhanced downstream access security for electronic file systems and drives

摘要

A method and system for protecting electronic files from unauthorized access. The drive on which the file is stored is provided with a hardware identification code, which is unique to the drive. An Operating System (OS) extension allows a user to provide a security code required to access a requested drive. OS device driver, working in conjunction with the extension of the OS checks the requested drive to determine if an access code is required, and the drive responds with the security code or a default code. The default code indicates that the drive is globally accessible to users on the system. When a security code is returned, the OS compares the security code to the access code provided and provides the user with access to the drive only when the access code matches the security code.