Abstract:
A method, apparatus, and system for securing data on a removable memory device, which is removably coupled to and accessible by a computing apparatus, are disclosed. Upon an attempt by a user to access the removable memory device, a biometric key is recovered by a biometric key interface device. This biometric key is used to authenticate an identity of the user. Upon the authentication, where the user identity corresponds to authorized access to the memory device, the access is enabled. Upon the authentication where the user identity does not correspond to authorized access to the memory device, the access is prohibited.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD  
       [0001]     An embodiment of the present invention relates to the field of data protection for computer memory systems. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to securing access to removable memory devices and controlling access to removable memory devices on the basis of an identity authenticated by a biometric parameter.  
       BACKGROUND  
       [0002]     Removable memory devices are found in a wide variety of data-processing systems. Not only traditional data-processing devices such as laptop computers, but other digital equipment such as hand-held computing devices, cameras, personal digital assistants, video gaming consoles, digital video recorders, digital entertainment equipment, and calculators may include hardware, software, and operating system support for removable memory devices.  
         [0003]     In the past, removable memory devices were limited to relatively small capacity, low performance solid-state devices, such as flash memory cards. But with improvements in rotating magnetic storage technology, practical and affordable removable disk drive designs have become common. These removable memory devices offer substantial improvements in capacity, performance, and practicality. In addition, advances in digital technology have increased the storage capacity available in a practical removable solid state memory device. Finally, emerging technologies promise grater capacities with better performance and lower costs aimed at the portable and removable storage markets.  
         [0004]     As capacity, performance, and usefulness of removable memory devices continue to improve, many data processing systems have begun to rely on removable memory devices for the majority of the system&#39;s non-volatile storage. Even large desktop computing systems employ removable memory devices to facilitate data portability between systems. For example, a user can carry large quantities of data from home to work, or while traveling, increasing productivity. Other uses include archiving data, and storing digital entertainment data, such as video or music, for use later.  
         [0005]     One result of these advances in removable and portable memory devices is that users tend to store much more data on removable memory devices. As removable memory device reliability has improved, a larger quantity of mission-critical or sensitive data is being stored on removable memory devices. Furthermore, as the devices have become smaller, more desirable, and more common it is inevitable that a larger number of them are eventually possessed by persons who do not own nor have permission to access the data on the removable memory devices in their possession.  
         [0006]     While having this data easily portable and available is advantageous to the intended users, the potentially sensitive nature, personal aspects, and financial value of the data that may be stored on a removable storage device make it essential that the data remain secure, even if the removable memory device is not in the authorized user&#39;s possession.  
         [0007]     Traditionally, access to data has been restricted by password controls. But passwords are often inadequate; consumers regularly construct passwords based on easily guessed words or numbers, and will often neglect to change default passwords. Furthermore, the high performance data interface that makes these devices attractive to customers also enables high-speed password attacks. Therefore, what is needed is a means to provide greater security without the potential weakness of a password system nor requiring an inconvenient random password that will keep the removable memory device secure any time it is not in an authorized user&#39;s possession.  
       SUMMARY  
       [0008]     A method, apparatus, and system for securing data on a removable memory device, which is removably coupled to and accessible by a computing apparatus, are disclosed. Upon an attempt by a user to access the removable memory device, a biometric key is recovered by a biometric key interface device, authenticating an identity of the user. Upon the authentication where the user identity corresponds to authorized access to the memory device, the access is enabled. Upon the authentication where the user identity does not correspond to authorized access to the memory device, the access is prohibited.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0009]     The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. These drawings depict exemplary embodiments and are not meant to limit the present invention. For instance,  FIG. 1  is not to be interpreted as limiting the invention to a personal computer data processing apparatus. The drawings are not to scale.  
         [0010]      FIG. 1  depicts an exemplary data processing apparatus in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0011]      FIG. 2  depicts an exemplary removable memory device with an apparatus for securing electronic data access based on a biometric key according to an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0012]      FIG. 3  depicts an exemplary removable memory device with an apparatus for securing physical access based on a biometric key according to an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0013]      FIG. 4  depicts an exemplary removable memory device security system according to an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0014]      FIG. 5  is a flowchart of an exemplary process for securing a removable memory device from access by an unauthorized user according to an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0015]      FIG. 6  shows an exemplary removable memory device having a security processor, an electronic access controller, a security status indicator, and a biometric key interface in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0016]      FIG. 7  shows an example of a user interfacing with an exemplary removable memory device having a biometric key interface in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0017]      FIG. 8  depicts aspects of an exemplary removable memory device removably coupled to a data processing apparatus having a security processor, biometric key interface, and mechanical access controller in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0018]      FIG. 9  depicts an exemplary removable memory device having a security processor, mechanical access controller, electronic access controller, biometric key interface and an industry-standard removable memory device in a “secured” mode in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0019]      FIG. 10  depicts an exemplary removable memory device having a security processor, mechanical access controller, electronic access controller, biometric key interface and an industry-standard removable memory device an “accessible” mode in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0020]     A method, apparatus, and system for securing access to a removable memory device are described herein. Reference is now made in detail to exemplary embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawing figures. While the invention is described herein in conjunction with these exemplary embodiments, this description is not intended to limit the invention to these embodiments. On the contrary, the invention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications and equivalents, which may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.  
         [0021]     Furthermore, in the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will realize that embodiments of the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known devices, circuits, methods, processes, procedures, systems, components, and apparatus, etc. have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the present invention. In particular, a “biometric key interface” may include any type of biometric-driven device that produces a signal, state, output, etc, which can be correlated to a user&#39;s identity, condition, proximity, presence, etc. Further, a “mechanical access device” may include any type of mechanical, electromechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, etc device that can effectively latch, contain, constrain, or prohibit physical movement between at least two components.  
         [0022]     A portion of the detailed description that follows is presented and discussed in terms of a method. Although steps and sequencing thereof are disclosed in a figure herein (e.g.,  FIG. 5 ) describing the operations of this method (e.g., process  500 ), such steps and sequencing are exemplary. Embodiments of the present invention are well suited to performing various other steps or variations of the steps recited in the flowchart of the figure herein, and in a sequence other than that depicted and described herein.  
         [0023]     Embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus, system, and a method for securing access to a removable memory device. In one embodiment, security is established by a biometric key, activated with biometric information corresponding to a user provided by a user. The key is used to effectively identify the user, the user&#39;s proximity, and establish the data access permissions. In one embodiment the removable memory device is secured by controlling the electronic signals between the removable memory device and the data processing apparatus it is attached to. In one embodiment the removable memory device is secured by physically constraining the removable memory device within the data processing apparatus, effectively preventing the removal of the removable memory device. An embodiment of the present invention provides a computer implemented method for controlling access to a removable memory device.  
         [0024]     In one embodiment, a removable memory device includes a form a user must grip in order to remove the device from a data processing apparatus. The form includes two biometric key interface devices that are engaged by the user&#39;s thumb and finger. Subsequent removal of the memory device is ultimately controlled in accordance with the methods of this invention based on user identity data provided by the biometric key interfaces.  
         [0025]     In one embodiment, a biometric key interface comprises a fingerprint scanner. In other embodiments, another biometric scanner/reader is used. Aside from the biometric mechanism used therewith, these embodiments operate in a manner substantially analogous to the operation of the fingerprint scanner described herein and are thus exemplified therewith.  
         [0026]     Therefore, embodiments of the present invention provide an increased level of security over present password and data encryption methods; permitting access to a removable memory device to an authorized user and preventing access to a removable memory device to a user who is not an authorized accessor. Further, embodiments of the present invention employ a biometric key interface to eliminate the use of passwords and the inherent security weaknesses therein.  
         [0027]     Exemplary Data Processing Apparatus with Removable Memory  
         [0028]      FIG. 1  depicts a functional block diagram of an exemplary data processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. Processor  121  is connected by data bus  150  to chipset  122 . Chipset  122  provides data interconnection paths and access arbitration to the other peripheral components of the data processing apparatus. Main volatile memory bank  123  is connected to chipset  122  via memory bus  155 . Expansion slots, one of which is denoted  153 , are connected to the chipset via expansion bus  154 . Video adapter board  124  is attached to expansion slot  153  and drives video monitor  140  via video cable  157  to provide user output. Keyboard  158  is connected to chipset  122  via cable  156  for user input. Interface connector  125 , is connected to chipset  122  via data interconnect bus  152 . Removable memory device  126  is removably coupled with interface  125 . Interface  125  provides bidirectional data, device control, bus control, and power source to removable memory device  126 . Chipset  122  is attached to expansion bus  151 , which carries bi-directional data, device control, bus control, and power source to non-removable, non-volatile storage  129 . Expansion bus  151  also carries bi-directional data, device control, bus control, and power source to interface  127 . Removable memory device  128  is removably coupled with interface  127 . Interface  127  provides any combination of bidirectional data, device control, bus control, and power source to removable memory device  128 .  
         [0029]     Exemplary Eletronic Removable Memory Securing Apparatus  
         [0030]      FIG. 2  depicts a functional block diagram of an exemplary data securing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this example, removable memory device  200  is removably coupled to the host data processing apparatus  224  via interface  222  and expansion bus  223 . Interface  222  may provide any combination of mechanical, electrical power, data, and device control functions to removable memory device  200 .  
         [0031]     Removable memory device  200  contains memory device  220 , which stores user data. Memory device  220  is connected to electronic access controller  226  via digital bus  221 . Electronic access controller  226  performs a switch function selectively permitting or prohibiting data transfer between the host data processing apparatus interface  222  and memory device  220  via removable memory device interface connector  225 , subject to control signals from security processor  230  via control bus  227 .  
         [0032]     Biometric key interface  228  recovers biometric identity data from a user for use by security processor  230 . Biometric key interface  228  is electrically coupled to and communicates with security processor  230  via interconnect bus  229 . Security processor  230  controls electronic access controller  226  via control bus  227  to allow or deny access to memory device  220  via digital bus  221  in accordance with a suitable algorithm, e.g. the System  4  described in  FIG. 4  and Method  500  in  FIG. 5 .  
         [0033]     Security status indicator  235  is controlled by security processor  230  via control bus  236 . Security status indicator  235  provides a visual indication of memory device  220 &#39;s access permission. In this example, security status indicator  235  consists of a light emitting diode that produces a red indication to indicate access is denied to memory device  220 . Security status indicator  235  also produces a green indication to inform a user that access to memory device  220  is permitted.  
         [0034]     It is appreciated that as long as electronic access controller  226  remains in the “prohibit” function, as instructed by security processor  230 , no access to memory device  220  is possible. It is also appreciated that the memory device exemplified herein with reference to memory device  220  can have any shape, size, configuration, orientation, etc., and can house any kind of memory device, disk drive, circuitry, electronic apparatus, etc.  
         [0035]     It is further appreciated that the embodiments of the present invention may be practiced with functionality, exemplified herein with reference to security status indicator  235 , in such a way that the nature of security status indicator  235  is not limited to a light emitting diode. In fact, security status indicator  235  may consist of one or more of a variety of indicators useful to the function of the removable memory device, including any or all of visual indicators, audible indicators, tactile indicators, electronic signals, etc.  
         [0036]     Exemplary Mechanical Removable Memory Securing Apparatus  
         [0037]      FIG. 3  depicts a functional block diagram of an exemplary removable memory device securing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this example, interface  321  is physically attached to the host data processing apparatus  322  and may provide any combination of mechanical, electrical power, data, and device control functions to removable memory device  319 , via interconnect  323  and host interconnect  324 . Removable memory device  319  is removably coupled to host data processing apparatus  322  via interface  321 .  
         [0038]     Removable memory device  319  comprises memory device  320 , wherein user data is stored, and host interconnect  324  which conveys any combination of device control, electrical power, data, or mechanical coupling to the interface  321 . Mechanical constraining device  326  is controlled by access controller  327  and has an interference coupling with removable memory device  319 , selectively preventing removal of removable memory device  319  in the direction denoted by arrow  325 .  
         [0039]     Biometric key interface  331  is activated with biometric information corresponding to a user from a user for use by security processor  329 . Biometric key interface  331  is electrically coupled to and communicates with security processor  329  by interconnect bus  330 . Security processor  329  obtains biometric key from biometric key interface  331  via interconnect bus  330  and controls electronic access controller  327  via interconnect bus  328 . Security processor  329  performs a suitable algorithm, e.g. System  4  described in  FIG. 4  and Method  500  in  FIG. 5 , to control access controller  327 . Access controller  327  is controlled by security processor  329  to either permit or deny access to removable memory device  319 . When instructed to permit, access controller  327  positions mechanical constraining device  326  to permit removal of removable memory device  319  in the direction indicated by arrow  325 . When instructed to deny, access controller  327  positions mechanical constraining device  326  to constrain removal of removable memory device  319  in the direction indicated by arrow  325 .  
         [0040]     It is appreciated that as long as mechanical controller  327  remains in the “prohibit” function state, as instructed by security processor  329 , mechanical constraining device  326  functions to effectively constrain removable memory device  319  and not allow removable memory device  319  to be removed from host data processing apparatus  322  without permanent, irreparable damage to removable memory device  319  with the ultimate effect of rendering removable memory device  319  unusable and inert. Hence, removable memory device  319  is secured. It is also appreciated that the memory device exemplified herein with reference to memory device  320  can have any shape, size, configuration, orientation, etc., and can house any kind of memory device, disk drive, circuitry, electronic apparatus, etc.  
         [0041]     It is also appreciated that embodiments of the present invention may be practiced with functionality, exemplified herein with reference to mechanical restraining device  326 , access controller  327 , security processor  329 , security status indicator  335 , and biometric key interface  331 , wherein the listed components are positioned, configured, oriented, etc. in such a way that the location of any or all of mechanical restraining device  326 , access controller  327 , security processor  329 , security status indicator  335 , or biometric key interface  331  is not limited to attachment to the host data processing apparatus  322 , nor the removable memory device  319 . In fact, any or all of mechanical restraining device  326 , access controller  327 , security processor  329 , security status indicator  335 , or biometric key interface  331  may be positioned, configured, oriented, etc in a variety of ingenious positions, configurations, orientations, etc, according to an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0042]     Security status indicator  335  is controlled by security processor  329  via control bus  336 . Security status indicator  335  provides a visual indication of memory device  319 &#39;s access permission. In this example, security status indicator  335  consists of a light emitting diode that produces a red indication to indicate removal is denied for memory device  319 . Security status indicator  335  also produces a green indication to inform a user that removal of memory device  319  is permitted.  
         [0043]     It is appreciated that the embodiments of the present invention may be practiced with functionality, exemplified herein with reference to security status indicator  335 , in such a way that the nature of security status indicator  335  is not limited to a light emitting diode. In fact, security status indicator  335  may consist of one or more of a variety of indicators useful to the function of the removable memory device, including any or all of visual indicators, audible indicators, tactile indicators, electronic signals, etc.  
         [0044]     Exemplary Removable Memory Securing System  
         [0045]      FIG. 4  depicts an exemplary removable memory securing system according to the present invention. Access request message  431  notifies security coordination module  426  of a pending access request, initiating a user authentication and verification method, e.g. Method  500  as described in  FIG. 5 . Security coordination module  426 , coordinating the steps of the security verification method, dispatches identity request message  425  to identity verification module  412 . Identity verification module  412  activates biometric key interface  410  via link  411 . Biometric key interface device  410  dispatches key value message  434  to identity verification module  412 . Data conveyed by key value message  434  contain some state of biometric key interface that is correlated with some biometric aspect of a user interfacing with biometric key interface device  410 . In one embodiment biometric key interface device  410  dispatches key value message  434  conveying a description of a user&#39;s fingerprint. In another embodiment, biometric key interface device  410  dispatches key value message  434  conveying a description of a user&#39;s retinal pattern. It is appreciated that the present invention may be practiced, with respect to biometric key interface device  410 , with a variety of biometric devices, e.g. fingerprint, retinal scan, voice identifier, blood type, etc, as is appropriate for the type of access control that is desired.  
         [0046]     Identity verification module  412  processes the data conveyed via key value message  434  and dispatches a user identity message  425  to security coordination module  426 . Data conveyed by user identity message  425  contains some aspect of the user&#39;s identity. Security coordination module  426  dispatches permission request message  428  to permission verification module  421 . Data conveyed by permission request message  428  contains some aspect of some combination of any or all of an aspect of the access request, an aspect of the user&#39;s identity, an aspect of memory device  435 &#39;s state, or any other condition, state, status, input, etc. Permission verification module  421  processes data conveyed by permission request message  428  and dispatches a permission status message  422  to security coordination module  426 . Data conveyed by permission status message  422  contains some aspect of the permissions attributable to said user interfacing with biometric key interface device  410 .  
         [0047]     Security coordination module  426  processes any or all of data conveyed by permission status message  422 , user identity message  425 , access request message  431 , access request message  427 , or any other condition, state, status, input, data, etc then dispatches access control message  423  to access control device  424 . Data conveyed by access control message  423  contains some aspect of permitting or prohibiting access to memory device  435 .  
         [0048]     Access control device  424  either permits or prohibits access to removable memory device  435  based on some aspect of the data conveyed by access control message  431 . Access control device  424  can consist of an electronic data switch, electromechanical latch, electro hydraulic securing mechanism, or any other mechanism that will effectively permit or prohibit access to some aspect of memory device  435 . Data conveyed by access control message  423  instruct access control module  424  to set itself in the “permit” or “prohibit” state, thereby selectively securing access control to removable memory device  435 .  
         [0049]     It is appreciated that the present invention may be practiced with a variety of mechanisms, components, systems, or devices that will effectively permit or deny access to some aspect of memory device  435 .  
         [0050]     Access control device  424  receives access control message  423  from security coordination module  426 . In one embodiment, access control device  424  may dispatch access request message  427 , e.g. upon an attempt to physically remove the protected removable memory device  435 . Access request message  427  notifies security coordination module  426  of a pending access request, initiating a user authentication and verification method, e.g. Method  500  as described in  FIG. 5 .  
         [0051]     Exemplary Removable Memory Securing Method  
         [0052]      FIG. 5  is a flowchart of an exemplary method  500  for securing access to a removable memory device using an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0053]     In Step  502 , a request is made to access a removable memory device. The request can include any or all of: reading data, writing data, modifying data, deleting data, accessing device control functions, removal of the memory device, or any other action.  
         [0054]     In Step  503 , a biometric key is obtained from a biometric key interface activated with biometric information from a user.  
         [0055]     In Step  504  the security system correlates the biometric key with a unique individual.  
         [0056]     In Step  505 , the access permission module determines the access permission of the user identified in Step  504 . If the identified user authorization for the requested access is determined to be “authorized” step  510  is executed. If the user is not in the “authorized” list, Step  511  is executed.  
         [0057]     In Step  510 , an authorized user is given access to the removable memory device.  
         [0058]     In Step  511 , a non-authorized user is not given access to the removable memory device  
         [0059]     While flow chart  500  shows a specific sequence of steps characteristic of one embodiment, other embodiments of the present invention are well suited to function with more or fewer steps. Likewise, the sequences of steps in various such embodiments can vary from those exemplified with process  500 , e.g., depending upon the application.  
         [0060]     It is appreciated that “access”, as described in Method  500 , steps  502 ,  511 , and  512 , may refer to electronic, mechanical, or any other operation that would modify or change the state of any aspect of the removable memory device.  
         [0061]     Exemplary Removable Memory Securing Apparatus with Fingerprint Reader  
         [0062]      FIG. 6  depicts an exemplary removable storage device according to an embodiment of the present invention, in a view to demonstrate an exemplary configuration of certain components. In this example, removable memory device  610  contains a security processor  620 , contained within housing  615 , an electronic access controller  621 , contained within housing  615 , and biometric key interface devices  613  and  623 , attached to housing form  626 , which are activated with biometric information corresponding to a user. In this particular example, the biometric key interfaces devices  613  and  623  are situated on either side of housing form  626  in such a manner to permit the user to grasp housing form  626  with the thumb and forefinger, thereby engaging biometric key interface devices  613  and  623 . In this example, the biometric key interface output and sate corresponds to fingerprint patterns.  
         [0063]     Security status indicator  625  is a light emitting diode that provides visual feedback to a user, indicating some aspect of a status, said status representing some aspect of a removable memory device that might be valuable to a user. Host data processing apparatus  611  possess a removable memory interfaced connector  612 , which conveys any combination of device control, electrical power, data, or mechanical coupling to removable memory device  610 &#39;s host data processing apparatus interface  614 . Removable memory device  610  is removably attachable to removable memory interfaced connector  612 , and can be separated from removable memory interfaced connector  612  in the direction denoted by arrow  617 . Biometric key interface device  613  provides means for a user to supply biometric information to security processor  620 , which controls electronic access controller  621 .  
         [0064]     Security processor  620  controls electronic access controller  621  to allow or deny access to memory  622  in accordance with the System  4  described in  FIG. 4  and Method  500  in  FIG. 5 . Security processor  620  also controls security status indicator  625 , causing it to emit a red indicator when access is denied, a green indicator when access is allowed, and a yellow indicator while the system is processing data. It is appreciated that as long as electronic access controller  621  remains in the “prohibit” function, as instructed by security processor  620 , no access to memory device  622  is possible. It is further appreciated that the memory device exemplified herein with reference to memory device  622  can have any shape, size, configuration, orientation, etc., and can house any kind of memory device, circuitry, electronic apparatus, etc.  
         [0065]     It is also appreciated that embodiments of the present invention may be practiced with functionality, exemplified herein with reference to biometric key interfaces  613  and  623 , wherein the biometric key interfaces  613  and  623  are positioned, configured, oriented, etc. in such a way that the location of biometric key interfaces  613  and  623  are not limited to a particular attachment to housing form  626 . In fact, biometric key interfaces  613  and  623  may be positioned, configured, oriented, etc in a variety of ingenious positions, configurations, orientations, etc, according to an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0066]     It is further appreciated that embodiments of the present invention may be practiced with functionality, exemplified herein with reference to biometric key interfaces  613  and  623 , in such a way that the nature of biometric key interfaces  613  and  623  are not limited to a fingerprint-sensing device. In fact, biometric key interfaces  613  and  623  may respond and operate with one or more of a variety of biometric key signals, including but not limited to retinal scan, fingerprint, DNA, voice patterns, body mass, etc.  
         [0067]     It is further appreciated that the embodiments of the present invention may be practiced with functionality, exemplified herein with reference to security status indicator  625 , in such a way that the nature of security status indicator  625  is not limited to a light emitting diode. In fact, security status indicator  625  may consist of one or more of a variety of indicators useful to the function of the removable memory device, including any or all of visual indicators, audible indicators, electronic signals, etc.  
         [0068]      FIG. 7  depicts an exemplary removable storage device illustrating some details of the interaction between the user and the removable memory device according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this example, removable memory device  710  is identical to removable memory device  610 , including biometric key interfaces  711  and  714 . Biometric key interface  714  is occluded by thumb  713  thus not visible in this exemplary diagram. When a user is required to provide a biometric key, said user&#39;s finger  712  and thumb  713  interact with biometric key interfaces  711  and  714  to provide the biometric key data.  
         [0069]     It is appreciated that embodiments of the present invention may be practiced with functionality, exemplified herein with reference to biometric key interfaces  711  and  714 , wherein the biometric key interfaces  711  and  714  are positioned, configured, oriented, etc. in such a way that the location of biometric key interfaces  711  and  714  are not limited to a particular attachment to housing  710 . In fact, biometric key interfaces  711  and  714  may be positioned, configured, oriented, etc in a variety of ingenious positions, configurations, orientations, etc, according to an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0070]     It is also appreciated that embodiments of the present invention may be practiced with functionality, exemplified herein with reference to biometric key interfaces  711  and  714 , in such a way that the number of biometric key interfaces corresponding to or attached to housing  710  is not limited to two. In fact, any number of identical or different biometric key interfaces may be positioned, configured, oriented, etc in a variety of ingenious positions, configurations, orientations, etc, according to an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0071]     It is further appreciated that embodiments of the present invention may be practiced with functionality, exemplified herein with reference to biometric key interfaces  711  and  714 , in such a way that the nature of biometric key interfaces  711  and  714  are not limited to fingerprint-sensing devices. In fact, biometric key interfaces  711  and  714  may respond and operate with one or more of identical or differing varieties of biometric key signals, including but not limited to retinal scan, fingerprint, DNA, voice patterns, body mass, salinity, etc.  
         [0072]     Exemplary Removable Memory Securing Apparatus with Retinal Scanner  
         [0073]      FIG. 8  depicts an exemplary data processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. Removable memory device  851  with handle  852  is installed into host data processing apparatus  850 . Biometric key interface  858  is connected to security processor  853 , which controls mechanical access controller  854  to allow or deny access to memory  851  in accordance with a suitable algorithm, e.g. the System  4  described in  FIG. 4  and Method  500  in  FIG. 5 . Access controller  854  positions mechanical restraining device  856  to selectively permit or prohibit withdrawing of removable device  851  from host data processing apparatus  850 .  
         [0074]     It is appreciated that as long as mechanical controller  854  remains in the “prohibit” function state, as instructed by security processor  853 , mechanical constraining device  856  functions to effectively constrain removable memory device  851  and not allow removable memory device  851  to be removed from host data processing apparatus  850  without permanent, irreparable damage to removable memory device  851  with the ultimate effect of rendering removable memory device  851  unusable and inert. Hence, removable memory device  851  is secured.  
         [0075]     It is further appreciated that embodiments of the present invention may be practiced with functionality, exemplified herein with reference to mechanical restraining device  856 , access controller  854 , security processor  853 , and biometric key interface  858 , wherein the listed components are positioned, configured, oriented, etc. in such a way that the location of any or all of mechanical restraining device  856 , access controller  854 , security processor  854 , or biometric key interface  858  is not limited to attachment to the host data processing apparatus  850 , nor the removable memory device  851 . In fact, any or all of mechanical restraining device  856 , access controller  854 , security processor  853 , or biometric key interface  858  may be positioned, configured, oriented, etc in a variety of ingenious positions, configurations, orientations, etc, according to an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0076]     It is further appreciated that embodiments of the present invention may be practiced with functionality, exemplified herein with reference to biometric key interface  858 , in such a way that the nature of biometric key interface  858  is not limited to a retina-sensing device. In fact, biometric key interface  858  may respond and operate with one or more of a variety of biometric key signals, including but not limited to fingerprint, DNA, voice patterns, body mass, etc.  
         [0077]     Exemplary Removable USB Memory Device Securing Apparatus  
         [0078]      FIG. 9  depicts an exemplary removable memory device security adapter apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. Removable memory device adapter apparatus  900  is illustrated in the “closed” or “secured” condition. Host data processing apparatus interface connector  955  is part of the host data processing apparatus  954 , and serves as the host data processing apparatus  954 &#39;s&#39; access to the removable memory device.  
         [0079]     The removable memory device adapter apparatus  900  comprises a standard removable memory device  950 , e.g. USB Thumb Drive, effectively contained and constrained by outer housing  951  and inner housing  959 . The standard removable memory device interface connector  956  engages interface connector  957 . Interface connector  957  communicates the bi-directional power, control, and data signals between the removable memory device  950  and the host data processing apparatus interface connector  955 , subject to the state of electronic access controller  971 . Electronic access controller  971  performs a switch function selectively permitting or prohibiting data transfer between the host data processing apparatus interface and the standard removable memory device  950 , subject to control signals from security processor  953  via control bus  970 .  
         [0080]     Latch  964  performs a latching function, mechanically securing outer housing  951  to inner housing  959  in the closed position, subject to control signals from security processor  953  via control bus  963 . When instructed by security processor  953 , latch  964  permits outer housing  951  to be extended away from inner housing  959  in the direction indicated by arrow  960 .  
         [0081]     Biometric key interface  952  recovers biometric identity data provided by a user corresponding to said user for use by security processor  953 . Biometric key interface  952  is electrically coupled to and communicates with security processor  953  by a power and data bus  962 . Security processor  953 , controls latch  964  via control bus  963  and electronic access controller  971  via control bus  970  to allow or deny access to standard removable memory device  950  in accordance with a suitable algorithm, e.g. System  4  described in  FIG. 4  and Method  500  in  FIG. 5 .  
         [0082]     It is appreciated that as long as outer housing  951  remains effectively latched with respect to inner housing  959  standard memory device  950  cannot be removed from removable memory device security adapter apparatus  900  without permanent, irreparable damage to standard removable memory device  950  with the ultimate effect of rendering standard removable memory device  950  unusable and inert. It is also appreciated that as long as electronic access controller  971  remains in the “prohibit” function, as instructed by security processor  953 , no access to standard removable memory device  950  is possible. It is further appreciated that the standard removable memory device exemplified herein with reference to standard removable memory device  950  can have any shape, size, configuration, orientation, etc., and can house any kind of memory device, circuitry, electronic apparatus, etc.  
         [0083]     Exemplary Removable USB Memory Device Securing Apparatus  
         [0084]      FIG. 10  depicts a view exemplary removable memory device security adapter apparatus  900  according to an embodiment of the present invention. The depicted device is identical in construction to removable memory device security adapter apparatus  900  depicted in  FIG. 9 . In this depiction, security processor  953  has positioned latch  964  such that outer housing  951  is no longer constrained with respect to inner housing  959 . Therefore outer housing  951  can be moved in the direction indicated by arrow  960 . Since outer housing  951  can be extended away from inner housing  959 , it no longer constrains or restrains standard removable memory device  950 . Standard removable device  950  may now be removed from the removable memory device security adapter apparatus  900  and accessed using normal, non-secure methods.