Patent ID: 9455955
Filing Date: 2016-09-27
CPC Classification: G06F,H04L

Claim Text:
1. A data storage apparatus, comprising: a host interface for coupling said storage apparatus to a host computer and/or other digital system; a protected storage component; a customizable storage controller operatively associated with said protected storage component; a storage controller program store; and a storage firewall adapted to communicatively couple said protected storage component and customizable storage controller with said host interface, said storage firewall being integrated with said customizable storage controller such that the combination thereof is operative to provide software authentication including application registration, runtime authentication of software identity and permission to execute, authentication & authorization in the execution of executable software, and examination, verification, and authentication of all storage access requests; a security coprocessor operatively coupled to said storage controller program store, and coupling said storage controller processor to the host computer or other digital system via the storage firewall and host interface; and locked firmware connected to said storage controller processor and said coprocessor, and operative to contain trusted source storage controller executable software for enabling controller recovery in the event of a problem and/or providing an addition level of protection against unauthorized change of the firmware.