Patent ID: 7346782
Filing Date: 2008-03-18
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
1. A method for controlling an external storage device connected to a computer; the method comprising the steps of: detecting that the external storage device is connected to the computer and checking whether or not an encrypted data file is stored in the external storage device; if an encrypted data file is stored in the external storage device, reading the encrypted data file, decrypting the encrypted data file using a passphrase preset and held by predetermined storage means, and storing the decrypted data file in the external storage device; accepting an operation by a user and issuing an ejection request to the external storage device connected to the computer in accordance with specifications specifying that software control should be performed, including processing to stop access to the device, when ejection is performed; and reading and encrypting with a user passphrase the data file stored in the external storage device and storing the encrypted data file in the external storage device, if the ejection request has been issued, wherein the user inputs the user passphrase and the data file is encrypted with an algorithm selected from RC2, RC4, RC5, RC6, 3DES and AES encryption algorithms.