Patent ID: 7155590
Filing Date: 2006-12-26
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
1. A method of protecting a primary memory device, comprising the steps of: calculating a first signature of and from contents of the primary memory device comprising a verification of the contents of the primary memory device at a time the first signature is calculated; storing the calculated signature in a secondary memory device separate from the primary memory device; calculating a second signature of and from contents of the primary memory device comprising a verification of the primary memory device at a time the second signature is calculated; comparing the first signature to the second signature; and disconnecting the primary memory device from a control processor that operates based on instructions stored in the primary memory device if the first signature and the second signature do not match; wherein: the steps of calculating a first signature, storing, calculating a second signature, comparing, and disconnecting are performed independently of the control processor; and the secondary memory device is physically and operationally independent of the primary device.