Patent Description:
Security is a critical issue with almost all aspects of computer use. Storage media, such as hard disk drives attached to computers, contain valuable information, which is vulnerable to data theft. A great deal of money and effort are being applied to guarding personal, corporate, and government security information.

As portable memory storage devices have become smaller, easier to lose, more ubiquitous, cheaper, and larger in memory capacity, they have come to pose extraordinary security problems. It is now possible to download massive amounts of information surreptitiously into portable memory storage devices, such as universal serial bus flash and micro drives, cellphones, camcorders, digital cameras, iPODs, MP3/<NUM> players, smart phones, palm and laptop computers, gaming equipment, authenticators, tokens (containing memory), etc.-in general, a mass storage device (MSD).

More specifically, there are millions of MSDs being used for backup, transfer, intermediate storage, and primary storage into which information can be easily downloaded from a computer and carried away. The primary purpose of any MSD is to store and retrieve "portable content," which is data and information tied to a particular owner, not a particular computer.

The most common means of providing storage security is to authenticate the user with a computer-entered password. A password is validated against a MSD stored value. If a match occurs, the drive will open. Or, the password itself is used as the encryption key to encrypt/decrypt data stored to the MSD.

For drives that support on-the-fly encryption, the encryption key is often stored on the media in an encrypted form. Since the encryption key is stored on the media, it becomes readily available to those willing to circumvent the standard interface and read the media directly. Thus, a password is used as the key to encrypt the encryption key.

For self-authenticating drives with on-the-fly encryption-e.g., self-encrypting drives (SEDs), their authentication sub-system is responsible for maintaining security. There is no dependency on a host computer to which it is connected. Thus, a password cannot (or need not) be sent from the host in order to unlock the MSD. In fact, the encryption key no longer needs to be stored on the media. The authentication subsystem becomes the means for managing encryption keys.

Some SEDs may also be installed within other devices, such as hard drives with encryption capabilities installed within servers, personal computers, printers, scanners, laptops, tablets, embedded systems, mobile devices, etc. However, some solutions rely on a user entering a password on the hosting device, and then the password is transmitted to the SED. Because they rely on the host, these SEDs have dependencies on the architecture of the host, such as hardware interfaces and host operating systems. Further, by having to maintain a communication channel to receive the passwords, the SEDs are susceptible to hacking via this communication channel; the SEDs cannot be completely locked out from the host as the SEDs have to have some open data channels to send the user-authentication information.

Thus, a need still remains for improved security. In view of the ever-increasing commercial competitive pressures, along with growing consumer expectations and diminishing opportunities for meaningful product differentiation in the marketplace, it is critical that answers be found for these problems. Additionally, the needs to reduce costs, improve efficiencies and performance, and meet competitive pressures add an even greater urgency to the critical necessity for finding answers to these problems.

Solutions to these problems have been long sought, but prior developments have not taught or suggested any solutions and, thus, solutions to these problems have long eluded those skilled in the art.

<CIT> (a continuation of <CIT>, entitled "Data Security System with Encryption") describes a data security system that includes a data security transceiver or receiver; an authentication subsystem operatively connected to the data security transceiver or receiver; and a storage subsystem connected to the authentication subsystem. The data security system controls access to the storage subsystem by a host computer system via an external communication channel.

The invention is a system, method and storage medium as defined in the appended claims.

The present invention provides a method of operation of a data security system including: providing a mobile device with a data security system application for connectivity with the data security system; starting the data security system application; and maintaining connectivity of the data security system with the mobile device.

The present invention provides a data security system including: a data security transceiver or receiver; an authentication subsystem operatively connected to the data security transceiver or receiver; and a storage subsystem connected to the authentication subsystem. The self-encrypting device provides host-independent (e.g., autonomous) user-authentication because the self-encrypting device does not use the resources from the host to authenticate the user, instead, the self-encrypting device utilizes its own resources to authenticate a user. Further, the user authentication by the self-encrypting device is independent, not only from the host, but also from the operating system (OS) executing in the host because the OS resources are not used for the user authentication. The resources used by the self-encrypting device for authenticating the user include a radiofrequency transceiver to receive the user-authentication information.

Certain embodiments of the invention have other aspects in addition to or in place of those mentioned above. The aspects will become apparent to those skilled in the art from a reading of the following detailed description when taken with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The following embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to make and use the invention. It is to be understood that other embodiments would be evident based on the present disclosure, and that system, process, or mechanical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

In some implementations, a self-encrypting drive (SED), with embedded wireless user authentication, is presented. Implementations are described for the use of SEDs as hard drives, e.g., hard disk drives (HDD), solid-state drives (SSD), or other types of Flash-based data storage memory devices and boards), but the SEDs may also be used for other types of applications, such as printers, scanners, tablets, embedded systems, mobile devices, etc. The SED may be referred to herein also as a Data Security System (DSS) or simply as drive. The wireless authentication is performed independently of the host device that is accessing the storage of the SED. For example, a mobile device may establish a direct, wireless connection to the SED to provide user-authentication information and unlock the SED for access from another device, such as a host. The host may be unaware of the wireless authentication and view the SED as a regular hard drive or other type of storage device.

The user-authentication information is kept in an authentication subsystem that is separate from the communication channel. Therefore, the user-authentication information is never accessible from the outside, via the communication channel or any other communication channel.

Additionally, the data in the storage media of the SED is encrypted for internal storage, but the data is transmitted in clear form when sending to or receiving from the host.

In other implementations, a remote management system is provided for providing administrative control of users and SEDs. From the remote management system console, an administrator is able to control the SEDs, such as enabling or disabling an SED, configuring access by users, setting time or geographic limits on the use of the SED, permanently disabling the SED, etc. Additionally, the remote management system may create user accounts, define administrators and users, provide user interfaces for users and drives, manage user licenses, and set up and enforce security options.

In the following description, numerous specific details are given to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent that the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In order to avoid obscuring the present invention, some well-known circuits, system configurations, and process steps are not disclosed in detail.

Likewise, the drawings showing embodiments of the system are semi-diagrammatic and not to scale and, particularly, some of the dimensions are for the clarity of presentation and are shown exaggerated in the drawing figures. Where multiple embodiments are disclosed and described having some features in common, for clarity and ease of illustration, description, and comprehension thereof, similar and like features one to another will ordinarily be described with similar or the same reference numerals. Similarly, although the views in the drawings for ease of description generally show similar orientations, this depiction in the figures is arbitrary for the most part. Generally, the invention can be operated in any orientation.

The term "system" as used herein refers to and is defined as the method and as the apparatus of the present invention in accordance with the context in which the term is used. The term "method" as used herein refers to and is defined as the operational steps of an apparatus.

For reasons of convenience and not limitation, the term "data" is defined as information that is capable of being produced by or stored in a computer. The term "data security system" is defined as meaning any portable memory device incorporating a storage medium. The term "storage media" as used herein refers to and is defined as any solid state, NAND flash, and/or magnetic data recording system. The term "locked" refers to the data security system when the storage media is not accessible, and the term "unlocked" refers to the data security system when the storage media is accessible.

There are generally two methods to make a storage device tamper-resistant: <NUM>. Apply epoxy to components-an epoxy resin applied to the printed circuit board can make it difficult to disassemble the storage device without destroying storage media. Encrypt memory data-data gets encrypted as it is written to the storage media and an encryption key is required to decipher the data.

Referring now to <FIG>, therein is shown a schematic of a data security system <NUM> in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The data security system <NUM> consists of an external communication channel <NUM>, an authentication subsystem <NUM>, and a storage subsystem <NUM>.

The storage subsystem <NUM> is electronic circuitry that includes an interface controller <NUM>, an encryption engine <NUM>, and storage media <NUM>. The storage media <NUM> can be an internal or external hard disk drive, USB flash drive, solid state drive, hybrid drive, memory card, tape cartridge, and optical media including optical disk (e.g., Blu-ray disk, digital versatile disk or DVD, and compact disk or CD). The storage media <NUM> can include a data protection appliance, archival storage system, and cloud-based data storage system. The cloud storage system may be accessed utilizing a plug-in (or "plugin") application or extension software installed in a browser application, either on the host computer or on another system coupled to the host computer via a wired or wireless network, such as RF or optical, or over the world wide web.

The interface controller <NUM> includes electronic components such as a micro-controller with the encryption engine <NUM> of software or hardware, although the encryption engine <NUM> can be in a separate controller in the storage subsystem <NUM>.

The authentication subsystem <NUM> is electronic circuitry that includes an authentication controller <NUM>, such as a micro-controller, which may have its own non-volatile memory, such as an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM).

The external communication channel <NUM> provides a means of exchanging data with a host computer system <NUM>. Universal Serial Bus (USB) is one of the most popular means to connect the data security system <NUM> to the host computer system <NUM>. Other examples of the external communication channel <NUM> include Firewire, wireless USB, Serial ATA (SATA), Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI), Integrated Drive Electronics (IDE), Small Computer System Interface (SCSI), Industry Standard Architecture (ISA), Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA), Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCI Express), a switch fabric, High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI), Recommended Standard <NUM> (RS-<NUM>), and radio frequency wireless networks.

The interface controller <NUM> is capable of translating USB packet data to data that can be written to the storage media <NUM> in a USB flash-memory- based drive (or other types of data storage media). In some example embodiments, the interface controller <NUM> is not operational until the authentication subsystem <NUM> has authenticated the user <NUM>, that is, the encryption engine <NUM> will not encrypt or decrypt data and the external communication channel <NUM> will not transfer any data until the user <NUM> is authenticated.

The encryption engine <NUM> is implemented as part of the interface controller <NUM> and takes clear text and/or data (information) from the host computer system <NUM> and converts it to an encrypted form that is written to the MSD or the storage media <NUM>. The encryption engine <NUM> also converts encrypted information from the storage media <NUM> and decrypts it to clear information for the host computer system <NUM>. The encryption engine <NUM> can also be a two-controller subsystem with an encryption controller that has the encryption capability to encrypt/decrypt data on the fly along with managing the communication protocol, memory, and other operating conditions, and a communication/security controller for handling the communication, encryption key management, and communications with the encryption controller.

An encryption key <NUM> is required by the encryption engine <NUM> to encrypt/decrypt the information. The encryption key <NUM> is used in an algorithm (e.g., a <NUM>-bit Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) encryption) that respectively encrypts/decrypts the data by an encryption algorithm to render data unreadable or readable. The encryption key <NUM> can be stored either internally or externally to the authentication controller <NUM>.

The encryption key <NUM> is transmitted to the encryption engine <NUM> by the authentication subsystem <NUM> once a user <NUM>, having an identification number or key, has been verified against an authentication key <NUM>.

It has been discovered that, by the employment of the authentication key <NUM> and the encryption key <NUM>, portable memory storage devices of the various embodiments of the present invention can provide an extremely high level of security previously not available in other such devices.

When the data security system <NUM> is locked, the authentication key <NUM> remains inside the authentication subsystem <NUM> and cannot be read from outside. One method of hiding the authentication key <NUM> is to store it in the authentication controller <NUM> in the authentication subsystem <NUM>. Setting the security fuse of the authentication controller <NUM> makes it impossible to access the authentication key <NUM> unless the authentication controller <NUM> allows retrieval once the user <NUM> has been verified. Many micro-controllers come equipped with a security fuse that prevents accessing any internal memory when blown. This is a well-known and widely used security feature. Such a micro-controller could be used for the authentication controller <NUM>. The authentication controller <NUM> can be a micro-controller or microprocessor.

The authentication key <NUM> can be used as in several capacities: <NUM>. As the encryption key <NUM> to encrypt/decrypt the information directly. As a key to recover the encryption key <NUM> stored in the data security system <NUM> that can be accessed by the interface controller <NUM>. Used for direct comparison by the interface controller <NUM> to activate the external communication channel <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, therein is shown an illustration of an authentication key delivery method used with the data security system <NUM>. In this illustration, the authentication key <NUM> and the encryption key <NUM> are one and the same. The encryption engine <NUM> employs the authentication key <NUM> as the encryption key <NUM>. In other example embodiments, the authentication key <NUM> and the encryption key <NUM> are different and independent from each other.

The user <NUM> interacts with the authentication subsystem <NUM> by providing user identification <NUM>, a number or key, to the authentication subsystem <NUM>. The authentication subsystem <NUM> validates the user <NUM> against the authentication key <NUM>. The authentication subsystem <NUM> then transmits the authentication key <NUM> as the encryption key <NUM> to the interface controller <NUM>.

The encryption engine <NUM>, in the interface controller <NUM>, employs the encryption key <NUM> to convert clear information to encrypted information and encrypted information to clear information along a data channel <NUM>-<NUM>. Clear data channel <NUM> is used to exchange clear data, and encrypted data channel <NUM> is used to exchange encrypted data. Any attempt to read encrypted information from the storage media <NUM> without the encryption key <NUM> will generally result in information that is unusable by any computer.

<FIG> is an illustration of an architecture for a self-encrypting drive (SED) situated inside a host computer system <NUM>. The host computer system <NUM> includes the data security system <NUM>, as well as other host components, such as input/output devices <NUM>, a processor <NUM>, and a memory <NUM>.

The data security system <NUM> is being used as a self-encrypting drive, and the data security system <NUM> interfaces directly with the user <NUM> for authenticating the user <NUM> so the data security system <NUM> may be accessed through the clear data channel <NUM> (e.g., internal bus). Although the data security system <NUM> may be situated within the computer casing of the host computer system <NUM>, or may be attached to the host computer system, and the data security system <NUM> may be upgraded or replaced, the data security system <NUM> is still independent from the host computer system <NUM> for authenticating the user <NUM>.

Other solutions for SEDs store the encryption key on the storage media <NUM> or inside a communications controller, but this type of implementation is susceptible to attack because the user-authentication information is still going thru the host computer and the encryption key may be obtained by brute force or by other means, just by reading the storage media or the communications controller. Because the authentication is provided through the communications controller, in these other solutions, the encryption key that is stored therein may be hacked.

On the other hand, in the data security system <NUM>, the clear data channel <NUM> is completely locked until the user is authenticated. In some example embodiments, the storage subsystem <NUM> is not powered until the user is authenticated. Further, the data security system <NUM> does not keep the encryption key <NUM> inside the encryption engine <NUM> of the interface controller <NUM>. Once the user is authenticated, the encryption key <NUM> is sent from the authentication subsystem <NUM> to the encryption engine <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a method for unlocking the SED inside a laptop. At operation <NUM>, the SED is locked (e.g., the user has not authenticated the SED yet); when the user powers up a laptop <NUM>, the laptop <NUM> tries to find a boot drive, but since the SED is locked, the laptop <NUM> does not find any bootable devices <NUM>. When the SED is locked, the SED does not provide the data interface to the host, so the host is not aware of the existence of the SED; in other words, the internal SED is "invisible" to the host. Physically, the SED is in the host, but logically the SED does not "exist" in the host as long as the data channel is locked. From a security point of view, this invisibility is beneficial because it is not possible to attack something you don't see. Once the SED is unlocked, the SED becomes visible and provides internal storage for the host.

Afterwards, the user unlocks (operation <NUM>) the SED via a mobile app executing on a mobile device <NUM>. The mobile app is used to enter authentication via wireless connection to the SED, as described in more detail below. The wireless connection to the SED may be protected with its own independent encryption layer.

After the SED is enabled (operation <NUM>), the laptop <NUM> is able to boot <NUM>, and the SED behaves as a regular hard drive. The software and the hardware in the laptop <NUM> is not aware that the SED is different from any regular hard drive, and no special software or hardware is required to support the SED in the laptop <NUM>.

Additionally, for security reasons, the SED may be locked, even when the operating system in the laptop <NUM> is up and running. The remote management system may send a command (e.g., via the mobile device <NUM>) to lock the SED. For example, if an administrator has detected malicious activity, the administrator may send a command to lock the SED immediately, the operating system would report the failure of the hard drive, and the laptop <NUM> will not be operational anymore. In some cases, when there is not an urgent threat, the remote lock may be sent with a timer (e.g., five minutes) to enable the user to close files and maybe power down the laptop <NUM>; when the timer expires, the SED is locked. In some example embodiments, the SED may generate a shutdown signal of the laptop <NUM> for the laptop to shut down before the SED is locked.

During a malicious attack, the attacker may take out the SED and read the data in the media to look for the encryption. With prior solutions, the hacker may gain access to the media. However, the SED described herein, when locked, does not provide a data channel to give access to the storage media, so the attacker may not use brute force to read the media.

In some cases, the remote management system may send a remove wipe (remote reset, remote kill) command to the SED, and the SED will not only lock the communication channel, but also delete the encryption key (in some cases, the SED is zeroized). Since the encryption key is never made available outside the SED, no other user or entity will have the encryption key and the data in the SED will not be accessible (unless the attacker is able to break the encryption, which is an almost impossible task given the computing resources currently required to break long encryption keys).

Referring now to <FIG>, therein is shown an illustration of different systems for the user <NUM> to interact with a data security system <NUM>. The interaction can be by a communication combination, which can be by a physical contact, wired connection, or wireless connection from a cell phone, smartphone, smart watch, wearable appliance, or other wireless device.

In one method for wireless authentication <NUM>, a mobile transceiver <NUM> (e.g., in a mobile phone, tablet, a key-fob, etc.) is employed to transmit user identification <NUM> to a data security transceiver <NUM> in an authentication subsystem <NUM>. For exemplary purposes, transceivers are employed for bi-directional communication flexibility, but a transmitter-receiver combination for uni-directional communication could also be used.

The authentication subsystem <NUM> includes the authentication controller <NUM>, which is connected to the interface controller <NUM> in the storage subsystem <NUM>. The user identification <NUM> is supplied to the data security transceiver <NUM> within the authentication subsystem <NUM> by the mobile transceiver <NUM> from outside the storage subsystem <NUM> of the data security system <NUM>. The wireless communication may include Wireless Fidelity (WiFi), Bluetooth (BT), Bluetooth Smart, Near Field Communication (NFC), Global Positioning System (GPS), optical, cellular communication (for example, Long-Term Evolution (LTE), Long-Term Evolution Advanced (LTE-A)), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), Wireless Broadband (WiBro), or Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), and the like.

The authentication subsystem <NUM> validates the user <NUM> against the authentication key <NUM> by a code sent from the mobile transceiver <NUM> being validated against the authentication key <NUM>. After a successful user authentication validation, the authentication subsystem <NUM> then transmits the encryption key <NUM> to the interface controller <NUM> across the communication channel <NUM>.

The encryption engine <NUM> then employs the encryption key <NUM> to convert clear information to encrypted information and encrypted information to clear information along the data channel <NUM>-<NUM>. Any attempt to read encrypted information from the storage media <NUM> without the encryption key <NUM> will result in information that is unusable by the host computer system <NUM>.

In an optional second authentication mechanism, the authentication subsystem <NUM> validates the user <NUM> against the authentication key <NUM> by having the user <NUM> employ a biometric sensor <NUM> to supply a biometric input <NUM> to verify his/her identity as an authorized user. Types of biometric identification include a fingerprint, an iris scan, a voice imprint, etc..

In an optional third authentication mechanism, the authentication subsystem <NUM> validates the user <NUM> against the authentication key <NUM> by having the user <NUM> employ an electro-mechanical input mechanism <NUM> to supply a unique code <NUM> to verify his/her identity as an authorized user. The unique code <NUM> can include a numerical, alphanumeric, or alphabetic code, such as a PIN. The electro-mechanical input mechanism <NUM> is within the authentication subsystem <NUM>. The electro-mechanical input mechanism <NUM> receives the unique code <NUM> from the user <NUM> from outside of the data security system <NUM>. The unique code <NUM> is supplied to the electro-mechanical input mechanism <NUM> within the authentication subsystem <NUM> from outside the storage subsystem <NUM> of the data security system <NUM>.

No matter which method is used to validate the user <NUM>, the authentication key <NUM> and the encryption key <NUM> remain hidden in the authentication subsystem <NUM> until the user <NUM> is authenticated, and the interface controller <NUM> does not have access to the authentication key <NUM> or the encryption key <NUM>. In some embodiments, the security controller may not even have a power until the user has been authenticated.

In some example embodiments, the data security system <NUM> includes an internal power source, such as a battery <NUM>. In other example embodiments, the data security system <NUM> does not include an internal power source and uses the power source provided by the host computer system <NUM>. In other example embodiments, the data security system <NUM> may use both a power source provided by the host and the internal power source.

<FIG> illustrates the interaction of a mobile device <NUM> with a host computer system <NUM> having a data security system <NUM>. The data security system <NUM>, installed inside the host computer system <NUM>, acts as an SED with independent authentication methods that do not rely on other hardware or software of the host computer system <NUM>, such as input/output devices <NUM>, processor <NUM>, and memory <NUM>. The host-independent authentication methods include wireless authentication, biometric authentication, and authentication based on user input received via a keyboard, a keypad, or some other manipulatable input mechanism, that is independent from the host.

Other SED solutions require authentication utilizing the host computer resources (e.g., I/O <NUM>, processor <NUM>, memory <NUM>). For example, in other solutions, the user-authentication information is entered into the host computer system <NUM> via the input/output devices <NUM>, such as a keyboard or a fingerprint reader.

The user-authentication information is then sent to the SED via the interface controller <NUM>. This means that the interface controller <NUM> has to be opened (e.g., unlocked) in order to receive the user-authentication information. In the data security system (e.g., SED) <NUM>, the interface controller <NUM> is completely locked from access by the host computer system <NUM> until the user <NUM> is authenticated via the RF transceiver <NUM>, biometric sensor <NUM>, or electro-mechanical input mechanism <NUM>. In some example embodiments, when the interface controller <NUM> is locked, the host computer system <NUM> may not even recognize that there is an SED installed in the host computer system <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, therein is shown an illustration of how the user <NUM> can employ the host computer system <NUM> to interact with a data security system <NUM>.

The host computer system <NUM> is provided with a host application <NUM>. The host application <NUM> is software or firmware, which communicates over the external communication channel <NUM> of the data security system <NUM>.

The host application <NUM> delivers host identifiers <NUM>, such as internal component serial numbers (e.g., hard drive), media access control (MAC) address of a network card, login name of the user, network Internet Protocol (IP) address, an ID created by the data security system <NUM> and saved to the host, an ID created by the data security system <NUM> and saved to the network, etc., associated with its environment. The host identifiers <NUM> are employed by an authentication subsystem <NUM> in the data security system <NUM>.

When the authentication subsystem <NUM> validates the user <NUM> against the authentication key <NUM> by verifying the host identifiers <NUM>, the data security system <NUM> will unlock.

For example, the user <NUM> connects the data security system <NUM> that is locked to the host computer system <NUM>. The host application <NUM> sends the MAC address of its network card to the data security system <NUM>. The data security system <NUM> recognizes this MAC address as legitimate and unlocks without the user <NUM> of <FIG> having to enter user identification. This implementation does not require any interaction with the user <NUM>. In this case, it is the host computer system <NUM> and its associated environment that are being validated.

The data security system <NUM> includes: providing the authentication key <NUM> stored in the authentication subsystem <NUM>; providing verification of the host computer system <NUM> by the authentication subsystem <NUM>; presenting the encryption key <NUM> to the storage subsystem <NUM> by the authentication subsystem <NUM>; and providing access to the storage media <NUM> by the storage subsystem <NUM> by way of decrypting the storage media content.

The data security system <NUM> further includes the authentication subsystem <NUM> for interpretation of biometric input and verification of the user <NUM>.

The data security system <NUM> further includes using the authentication key <NUM> as the encryption key <NUM> directly.

The data security system <NUM> further includes using the authentication key <NUM> to decrypt and retrieve the encryption key <NUM> used to decipher internal content.

The data security system <NUM> further includes the authentication subsystem <NUM> for interpretation of signal inputs and verification of sending unit.

The data security system <NUM> further includes the authentication subsystem <NUM> for interpretation of manually entered input and verification of the user <NUM>.

The data security system <NUM> further includes the authentication subsystem <NUM> for interpretation of input sent by a host resident software application for verification of the host computer system <NUM>.

The data security system <NUM> further includes the encryption engine <NUM> outside the interface controller <NUM> but connected to the external communication channel <NUM> for the purpose of converting clear data to encrypted data for unlocking the data security system <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, therein is shown a data security method <NUM> employing user verification for the data security system <NUM>. The data security method <NUM> includes; verifying the user against an authentication key in a block <NUM>; employing the authentication key for retrieving an encryption key in a block <NUM>; and employing the encryption key for allowing unencrypted communication through a storage subsystem between a host computer system and a storage media in a block <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates one of the possible embodiments for a management architecture <NUM> for remote management of devices with encryption capabilities. A management server <NUM>, that includes a user management database <NUM>, provides remote management, including remote security, of devices via a network, such as a cloud <NUM>. A management console <NUM> may connect to the management server <NUM>, directly (e.g., USB port) or via the cloud <NUM>. Although a management server <NUM> is illustrated, the implementation of the management server <NUM> may be distributed across one or more servers that cooperate to provide the required management capabilities.

The management console <NUM> may be used to access several user interfaces for configuring the remote management, such as interfaces for managing accounts, users, drives, enforcing IT policies, etc. Some user interfaces are described below with reference to <FIG>.

The user management database <NUM> stores information regarding users and devices. More details for the user management database <NUM> are provided below with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>.

The management server <NUM> may manage a plurality of devices, such as laptops <NUM>, PCs <NUM>, thermostats <NUM>, smart TVs <NUM>, tablets <NUM>, servers <NUM>, printers and scanners <NUM>, smart appliances <NUM>, mobile devices <NUM>, and other devices, such as residence doors, elevator doors, garage doors, hotel doors, office room doors, water supply valves, meters, medical devices, medicine cabinets, safes, home and corporate security and access-control systems, home automation devices, smart speakers, voice-mail systems, etc. Some devices may belong to the same company, such as the laptops of Company A <NUM> or the devices for Company B <NUM>.

For example, the remote management server <NUM> may control the access to an SED <NUM>, as described above. Further, the remote management server <NUM> may control different types of motors that can open or close a door or a safe, provide controlled access to video security cameras and their recorded video, etc..

Remote management may be used for different types of services, such as secure-access control systems, home automation and security systems, healthcare and medical devices, external and internal data storage devices, etc..

The management server <NUM> communicates with the mobile device <NUM> to control the use of the SED <NUM> inside host computer <NUM>. The application executing in mobile device <NUM>, as described above with reference to <FIG>, communicates with the management server <NUM> to enable access to the SED <NUM>, once the user authentication enables access to the SED <NUM>, as managed by the management server <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, therein is shown an exemplary data security communication system <NUM>. The exemplary data security communication system <NUM> includes a mobile device <NUM>, a data security system <NUM>, a host computer <NUM>, and a server/console <NUM>. The mobile device <NUM> and the server/console <NUM> are connected by wired or wireless connections through a cloud <NUM>, which can be an Internet cloud. The mobile device <NUM> and the data security system <NUM> are connected by a communication combination <NUM>.

The communication combination <NUM> in the exemplary data security communication system <NUM> includes a mobile transceiver <NUM> in the mobile device <NUM> with an antenna <NUM> wirelessly communicating with an antenna <NUM> of a data security transceiver <NUM> in the data security system <NUM>.

The mobile device <NUM> in one embodiment can be a smartphone. In the mobile device <NUM>, the mobile transceiver <NUM> can be connected to conventional mobile device components and to a data security system application <NUM>, which provides information to be used with the data security system <NUM>.

The data security transceiver <NUM> is connected to a security controller <NUM>, which can contain identification, passwords, profiles, or information including that of different mobile devices that can access the data security system <NUM>. The security controller <NUM> is connected to subsystems similar to the authentication subsystem <NUM>, the storage subsystem <NUM> (which in some embodiments can have encryption to encrypt data), and the external communication channel <NUM>.

The external communication channel <NUM> is connectable to the host computer <NUM> to allow, under specified circumstances, access to data in the storage subsystem <NUM>.

One implementation of the data security system <NUM> can eliminate the biometric sensor <NUM> and the electro-mechanical input mechanism <NUM> of <FIG> with only a wireless link to the mobile device <NUM>, such as a smartphone. It has been found that this implementation makes the data security system <NUM> more secure and useful.

The data security system application <NUM> allows the mobile device <NUM> to discover all data security systems in the vicinity of the mobile device <NUM> and show their status (locked/unlocked/blank, paired/unpaired etc.).

The data security system application <NUM> allows the mobile device <NUM> to connect/pair, lock, unlock, change the name and password, and reset all data on the data security system <NUM>.

The data security system application <NUM> allows the mobile device <NUM> to set an inactivity auto-lock so the data security system <NUM> will automatically lock after a predetermined period of inactivity or to set a proximity auto-lock so the data security system <NUM> will be locked when the mobile device <NUM> is not within a predetermined proximity for a predetermined time period (to improve reliability and avoid signal de-bouncing).

The data security system application <NUM> allows the mobile device <NUM> to remember a password, use TouchID, and Apple Watch (both TouchID and Apple Watch mentioned here as examples only, there are many other mobile devices with biometric sensors and wearables that can be used in a similar mode) so data security system <NUM> can be unlocked without entering re-entering a password on the mobile device <NUM>.

The data security system application <NUM> allows the mobile device <NUM> to be set to operate only with a specific mobile device, such as the mobile device <NUM>, so the data security system <NUM> cannot be unlocked with other mobile devices (1Phone).

The data security system application <NUM> allows the mobile device <NUM> to set the data security system <NUM> to Read-Only.

The data security system application <NUM> allows the mobile device <NUM> to be operated in User Mode or Administrator Mode (administrator's mode overrides user's settings) and use the server/console <NUM>. The server/console <NUM> is a combination of a computer with a console for entering information into the computer.

The server/console <NUM> contains a user management database <NUM>, which contains additional information that can be transmitted over the cloud <NUM> to the mobile device <NUM> to provide additional functionality to the mobile device <NUM>.

The user management database <NUM> allows the server/console <NUM> to create and identify users using UserID (username and password), to lock or unlock the data security system <NUM>, and to provide remote help.

The user management database <NUM> allows the server/console <NUM> to remotely reset or unlock the data security system <NUM>.

The user management database <NUM> allows the server/console <NUM> to remotely change the data security system user's PIN.

The user management database <NUM> allows the server/console <NUM> to restrict/allow unlocking data security system <NUM> from specific locations (e.g., by using geo-fencing).

The user management database <NUM> allows the server/console <NUM> to restrict/allow unlocking data security system <NUM> in specified time periods and different time zones.

The user management database <NUM> allows the server/console <NUM> to restrict unlocking data security system <NUM> outside of specified team/organization/network, etc..

<FIG> is another data security communication system with embedded SED <NUM>. Host computer system <NUM> includes an SED <NUM>, which includes the data security transceiver <NUM>, the security controller <NUM>, the authentication subsystem <NUM>, and the storage subsystem <NUM>, as described in <FIG> for data security system <NUM>. Additionally, the SED <NUM> includes a data interface <NUM> and may include an internal power supply (e.g., a battery <NUM>).

The data interface <NUM> is used to communicate with other components of the host computer system <NUM>, via data channel <NUM>, such as I/O <NUM>, processor <NUM>, memory <NUM>, and power supply <NUM>. In some example embodiments, the battery <NUM> is not included in the SED <NUM>, and the SED <NUM> may utilize the power supply <NUM> of the host computer (or overall embedded) system <NUM>.

As described above with reference to <FIG>, the data security transceiver <NUM> may be used to authenticate the SED <NUM>. In some example embodiments, the data interface <NUM> remains locked (e.g., no data is sent out or received via the data interface <NUM>) until the user is authenticated.

<FIG> illustrate the organization (e.g., configuration) of the user management database <NUM>, according to some example embodiments. In some example embodiments, the user management database <NUM> includes a drive (managed device) table <NUM>, a user table <NUM>, an administrator user table <NUM>, a drive-user mapping table <NUM>, and a license table <NUM>.

The drive table <NUM> stores information about the drives manage by the remote management server. The drive table <NUM> includes the following fields:.

The user table <NUM> stores information for each of the users authorized by the remote management system. The user table <NUM> includes the following fields:.

As described above, the geographic fencing (e.g., boundaries) as well as the time-of-use boundaries are defined for each user. In other example embodiments, the geographic and time limitations may be defined by drive, which means that a particular drive may only be used in the area and/or time allowed.

The administrator user table <NUM> is a table for storing information regarding the users that are authorized to operate as administrators for their respective accounts. The administrator user table <NUM> includes the following fields:.

In <FIG>, the drive-user mapping table identifies which drives may be used by each user. There is an entry for each unique mapping of user to drive. Therefore, if a user is enabled for the use of three different drives, the drive-user mapping table <NUM> will have three entries with the same user ID, each of the entries mapping the user to a different drive ID.

The drive-user mapping table <NUM> includes the following fields:.

The license table <NUM> stores information regarding the licenses given to users for accessing the remote management system, including accessing the configured drives, such as activation codes, when the license was issued, to whom the license was issued, duration of the license, etc. The license table <NUM> includes the following fields:.

It is noted that the embodiments illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG> are examples and do not describe every possible embodiment. Other embodiments may utilize different tables, additional tables, combine tables, etc. The embodiments illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG> should therefore not be interpreted to be exclusive or limiting, but rather illustrative.

Referring now to <FIG>, therein is shown an administrator sequencing diagram showing the sequence of operations between the mobile device <NUM> and the data security system <NUM>.

Connectivity <NUM>, between the data security system <NUM> and the mobile device <NUM>, is first established with mutual discovery of the other device or system, pairing the device and system, and connection of the device and system. The connectivity <NUM> is secured using a shared secret, which is then used to secure (encrypt) communications between the data security system <NUM> and the mobile device <NUM> for all future communication sessions. A standard encryption algorithm is selected to be both efficient to run on the data security system <NUM> and to be approved by world-wide security standards.

The connectivity <NUM> is maintained by the data security system application <NUM> or the security controller <NUM> or both operating together as long as the data security system <NUM> and the mobile device <NUM> are within a predetermined distance of each other. Further, if the predetermined distance is exceeded, the connectivity <NUM> is maintained for a predetermined period of time after which the data security system <NUM> is locked.

After connection of the mobile device <NUM> and the data security system <NUM>, a data security system administrator application start operation <NUM> occurs in the mobile device <NUM>. Then an administrator sets a password in an administrator password operation <NUM>. Also, after connection of the mobile device <NUM> and the data security system <NUM>, the data security system <NUM> is connected to the host computer <NUM> of <FIG> and <FIG> to be powered up and discoverable by the host computer <NUM> in a data security system connected, powered, and discoverable operation <NUM>.

After the administrator password operation <NUM>, the mobile device <NUM> sends a set administrator password and unlock signal <NUM> to the data security system <NUM>. The set administrator password and unlock signal <NUM> causes an administrator password set and data security system unlocked operation <NUM> to occur in the data security system <NUM>.

When the administrator password set and data security system unlocked operation <NUM> is completed, a confirmation: data security system unlocked signal <NUM> is sent to the mobile device <NUM> where a confirmation: data security system unlocked as administrator operation <NUM> operates. The confirmation: data security system unlocked as administrator operation <NUM> permits a set other restrictions operation <NUM> to be performed using the mobile device <NUM>. The set other restrictions operation <NUM> causes a set administrator restrictions signal <NUM> to be sent to the data security system <NUM> where the administrator restrictions are set and a confirmation: restrictions set signal <NUM> is returned to the mobile device <NUM>. Thereafter, the mobile device <NUM> and the data security system <NUM> are in full operative communication.

Because it is possible to communicate with the data security system <NUM> without having physical contact with the data security system <NUM>, it is required that significant interactions with the data security system <NUM> be accompanied by a data security system unique identifier that is either printed on the data security system <NUM> itself, or that comes with the data security system <NUM> packaging and is readily available to the data security system <NUM> owner.

On making requests that could affect user data, such as unlocking or resetting the data security system <NUM>, this unique identifier (unique ID) is required. Attempts to perform these operations without the correct identifier are ignored and made harmless. The unique identifier is used to identify the data security system <NUM> to the mobile device <NUM> in a way that requires the user to have physical control over the data security system <NUM> and to verify the connectivity <NUM> is established between the authorized, previously paired device and system, such as the mobile device <NUM> and the data security system <NUM>. Once the devices are paired, the shared secret is used to make the communication confidential.

Pairing connotes that a mobile device and a data security system have a unique and defined relationship established at some time in the past and enduring.

The unique identifier makes for giving the user some control over the data security system when the user has physical control of the data security system.

To increase the security of the communication with the data security system <NUM> where the mobile device <NUM> is a smartphone, a user may choose to enable a feature, such as a feature called 1Phone here. This feature restricts significant user interactions with the data security system <NUM> to one and only one mobile device <NUM>. This is done by replacing the data security system unique identifier described above with a random identifier shared securely between the data security system <NUM> and the mobile device <NUM>. So, instead of presenting the data security system unique identifier when, for example, the user unlocks the data security system <NUM>, the 1Phone identifier must be given instead. In effect, this makes the user's mobile device <NUM> a second authentication factor, in addition to a PIN or password, for using the data security system <NUM>. As an example, the paired user phone selected as "1Phone" can be used without a PIN, and as the user-authentication single factor and/or in a combination with any other user-authentication factors. If such feature (1Phone) is selected, the data security system <NUM> cannot be opened with any other phones, except if an administrator's unlock was enabled before.

It will be understood that other embodiments can be made to require an administrator's password on the data security system <NUM> in order to use the 1Phone feature. Another embodiment may require that the server/console <NUM> is capable of recovering the data security system <NUM> in case the 1Phone data is lost on the mobile device <NUM>.

The user may enable a proximity auto-lock feature for the data security system <NUM>. During a communication session, the data security transceiver <NUM> of <FIG> reports to the data security system <NUM> a signal strength measurement for the mobile device <NUM>. The data security system application <NUM> on the mobile device <NUM> sends the data security system <NUM> both the originating signal power level and the threshold for proximity.

Because the signal strength varies due to environmental conditions around the transceivers, the data security system <NUM> mathematically smooths the signal strength measurements to reduce the likelihood of a false positive. When the data security system <NUM> detects that the signal power received has dropped below a defined threshold for a predetermined period of time, it will immediately lock the data security system <NUM> and prevent access to the storage subsystem <NUM> of <FIG>.

The data security system <NUM> could be used in three different modes: a User Mode where the functionalities of the data security system <NUM> are determined by the user; an Administrator Mode where an administrator can set an Administrator password and enforce some restrictions on the data security system <NUM> (e.g., automatic lock after a predetermined period of inactivity, Read-Only, 1Phone) and where restrictions cannot be removed by a User; and a Server Mode where an administrator role is set where the server/console <NUM> can remotely reset the data security system <NUM>, change user passwords, or just unlock the data security system <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, therein is shown an unlocking sequence diagram where the mobile device <NUM> is used as an authentication factor. This diagram shows an auto-unlock process, of the data security system <NUM>, initiated by the data security system application <NUM> from a specific mobile device, the mobile device <NUM>. A user can use one mobile device that was initially paired with the data security system <NUM>. If the paired mobile device <NUM> is lost, then the data security system <NUM> cannot be unlocked (unless administrator password was set before as shown in <FIG>).

While similar to <FIG>, a data security system application started operation <NUM> occurs after the connectivity <NUM> is established. An unlock required with mobile device ID signal <NUM> is sent from the mobile device <NUM> to the data security system <NUM> after a data security system connected, powered and discoverable operation <NUM>. A data security system unlocked operation <NUM> occurs and a confirmation: data security system unlocked signal <NUM> is sent from the data security system <NUM>. After a confirmation: data security system unlocked operation <NUM>, the mobile device <NUM> and the data security system <NUM> are in full operative communication.

If a PIN (Personal Identification Number) was not set up, then the paired mobile device is used as one-factor authentication.

Referring now to <FIG>, therein is shown an unlock sequencing diagram showing unlocking using a PIN entry from the mobile device <NUM>. This diagram shows the process of unlocking the data security system <NUM> by entering a PIN in the data security system application <NUM> in the mobile device <NUM>. The data security system <NUM> cannot be unlocked without entering the correct PIN.

While similar to <FIG> and <FIG>, in <FIG> an enter username/password operation <NUM> occurs after the data security system application started operation <NUM>. After the enter username/password operation <NUM>, the mobile device <NUM> sends a verify user ID signal <NUM> to the server/console <NUM>. The server/console <NUM> then makes a username/password valid determination <NUM>.

When the username/password valid determination <NUM> verifies the user, a valid user signal <NUM> is sent to the mobile device <NUM> for the user to enter the correct PIN in an enter PIN operation <NUM> in the mobile device <NUM>. The mobile device <NUM> then sends a verify unlock signal <NUM> to determine if the correct PIN has been entered to the server/console <NUM>.

The server/console <NUM> makes a user authorized determination <NUM> and determines if the user is authorized to use the specific data security system, such as the data security system <NUM>, that the PIN is authorized for. If authorized, an unlock allowed signal <NUM> is sent to the mobile device <NUM>, which passes on an unlock request signal <NUM> to the data security system <NUM>.

The data security system unlocked operation <NUM> is performed and the confirmation: data security system unlocked signal <NUM> is sent to the mobile device <NUM> where the confirmation, data security system unlocked operation <NUM> is performed.

Referring now to <FIG>, therein is shown an unlock sequencing diagram showing unlock using a PIN entry and User ID/location/time verification via the server/console <NUM>. This diagram shows the most secure process of unlocking the data security system <NUM> by entering a PIN in the data security system application <NUM> from the mobile device <NUM>, authenticating in the server/console <NUM> server using a UserID (username/password), and by verifying geo-fencing permissions to unlock the data security system <NUM> at a specific location and at a certain time range. The data security system <NUM> cannot be unlocked without entering the PIN, username and password, and having the mobile device <NUM> be present in specific (predefined) location and certain (predefined) time.

While similar to <FIG>, in <FIG> at the server/console <NUM>, an unlock specified data security system operation <NUM> is performed to allow setting of the desired conditions under which the specified data security system, such as the data security system <NUM>, will operate. For example, the conditions could be within a specific geographical area and/or specific time frame.

At the mobile device <NUM>, a current condition determination is made, such as in an acquire location and/or current time operation <NUM>. This operation is performed to determine where the mobile device <NUM> is located and or what the current time is where the mobile device <NUM> is located. Other current conditions around the mobile device <NUM> may also be determined and sent by a verify unlock signal <NUM> to the server/console <NUM> where a conditions-met determination <NUM> is made.

When the desired conditions are met, an unlock allowed signal <NUM> is sent to the mobile device <NUM> for the enter PIN operation <NUM> to be performed. After the PIN is entered, a verify unlock signal <NUM> is sent with the PIN and an identification of the data security system <NUM> that is in operational proximity to the mobile device <NUM>. The verify unlock signal <NUM> is received by the server/console <NUM> and a data security system allowed determination <NUM> is made to determine that the specified data security system is allowed to be unlocked by the authorized user. The server/console <NUM> verifies that this "specific" user is authorized to use the specified data security system.

After determining the correct information has been provided, the server/console <NUM> will provide an unlock allowed signal <NUM> to the mobile device <NUM>, which will provide a unlock request signal <NUM>. The unlock request signal <NUM> causes the data security system <NUM> to operate.

Referring now to <FIG>, therein is shown a reset sequencing diagram showing resetting the data security system <NUM> using the server/console <NUM>. This diagram shows the ability to reset the data security system <NUM> remotely via the server/console <NUM>. The data security system <NUM> can receive commands only from the mobile device <NUM> over the wireless connection. However, by setting a "Reset" flag on the server/console <NUM> for a specific data security system (using its S/N), the data security system application <NUM> running on the mobile device <NUM> will query the server/console <NUM> for any flags/pending requests in the user management database <NUM>. When the user connects the data security system <NUM>, the data security system application <NUM> on the mobile device <NUM> will execute a waiting "reset" command. After a successful reset (e.g., all user data and credentials are erased and unrecoverable), the server/console <NUM> will remove the Reset flag so it will not be executed the next time the mobile device <NUM> is connected to the specific data security system.

While similar to <FIG>, in <FIG> the mobile device <NUM> responds to the valid user signal <NUM> by sending an any command waiting signal <NUM> to the server/console <NUM> to make a reset command determination <NUM>. When the reset command is present, a perform reset signal <NUM> will be sent to the mobile device <NUM>.

The mobile device <NUM> will send a reset security system signal <NUM> to the data security system <NUM> to start a data security system reset operation <NUM>. Upon completion of the data security system reset operation <NUM>, the data security system <NUM> will send a confirmation: data security system reset signal <NUM> to the mobile device <NUM> to set a confirmation: data security system reset operation <NUM> into operation. Thereafter, the mobile device <NUM> and the data security system <NUM> are in full operative communication with the data security system <NUM> reset.

Referring now to <FIG>, therein is shown an unlock sequencing diagram showing unlocking the data security system <NUM> using the server/console <NUM>. This diagram shows the ability to unlock the data security system <NUM> remotely via the server/console <NUM>. The data security system <NUM> can receive commands only from the mobile device <NUM> over the wireless connection. However, by setting an "Administrator Unlock" flag on the server/console <NUM> for a specific data security system (e.g., using its S/N), the data security system application <NUM> running on the mobile device <NUM> will query the server/console <NUM> for any flags indicating pending requests. When the user connects the data security system <NUM>, the data security system application <NUM> on the mobile device <NUM> will execute a waiting "Administrator Unlock" command. After successful Administrator unlock, the user's data is untouched, but the user's password is removed (the data security system <NUM> cannot be unlocked by the user). The server/console <NUM> will reset the Reset flag for the data security system <NUM> so it will be not executed next time when the mobile device <NUM> is connected to the data security system <NUM>.

While similar to <FIG>, in <FIG>, after receiving the any command waiting signal <NUM>, the server/console <NUM> performs an unlock <NUM> when there is a command to unlock with an administrator's password. An unlock with an administrator's password signal <NUM> is sent to the mobile device <NUM>, which provides an unlock with administrator's password signal <NUM> to the data security system <NUM> to start the data security system unlocked operation <NUM>. Thereafter, the mobile device <NUM> and the data security system <NUM> are in full operative communication.

Referring now to <FIG>, therein is shown a change-user password sequencing diagram using the server/console <NUM>. This diagram shows the ability to change the user's password for data security system <NUM> remotely via the server/console <NUM>. The data security system <NUM> can receive commands only from the mobile device <NUM> over the wireless connection. However, by setting a "Change User's Password" flag on the server/console <NUM> for a specific data security system (e.g., using its S/N), the data security system application <NUM> running on the mobile device <NUM> will query the server/console <NUM> for any flags indicating pending requests. When the user connects his data security system <NUM>, the data security system application <NUM> on the mobile device <NUM> will execute the pending "Change User's Password" command. After the successful unlock and password change, the user's data is untouched and the data security system <NUM> can be unlocked with the new user's password. The server/console <NUM> will reset the "Change User's Password" flag for this data security system <NUM> so it will not be executed the next time the mobile device <NUM> is connected to the specific data security system.

While similar to <FIG>, in <FIG> the server/console <NUM> responds to the any command waiting signal <NUM> by making a change password determination <NUM>. When there has been a password change at the server/console <NUM>, a change user password signal <NUM> is sent to the mobile device <NUM>, which sends a change user password signal <NUM> to the data security system <NUM>. Thereafter, the mobile device <NUM> and the data security system <NUM> are in full operative communication with the new password.

In some example embodiments, a user may interact with the server/ console <NUM> to recover a lost or forgotten password. The user sends a request to the server/console <NUM> to recover the password, which may be a general password for the user, or a particular password for a particular device.

The server/console <NUM> then authenticates the user (e.g., two factor authentication), and if the user is authenticated, the server/console retrieves the password from the server database and provides the password to the user.

In other example embodiments, the password may be reset instead of recovered and the user would enter the new password at the server/console <NUM>.

A method of operation of a data security system comprising: providing a mobile device with a data security system application for connectivity with the data security system; starting the data security system application; and maintaining connectivity of the data security system with the mobile device.

The method as described above wherein maintaining the connectivity maintains the connectivity when the data security system is within a predetermined proximity to the mobile device.

The method as described above wherein maintaining the connectivity maintains the connectivity when the data security system is within a predetermined proximity to the mobile device for a predetermined period of time.

The method as described above wherein establishing the connectivity includes using bi-directional communication between the data security system and the mobile device.

The method as described above wherein establishing the connectivity includes using uni-directional communication between the data security system and the mobile device.

The method as described above further comprising communication between the mobile device with the data security system application and a server containing a user management database.

The method as described above further comprising providing security information in a security controller in the data security system.

The method as described above further comprising: providing a server with identification of a specified data security system; providing the data security system with a specific identification; and unlocking the data security system when the identification of the specified data security system is the same as the specific identification of the data security system.

The method as described above wherein providing a mobile device with the data security system application provides a data security system administrator's application and further includes: setting an administrator's password in the mobile device; transmitting the administrator's password from the mobile device to the data security system; and setting the administrator's password in the data security system and unlocking the data security system.

The method as described above further comprising: providing an unlock request along with a mobile device identification from the mobile device to the data security system; and receiving the unlock request in the data security system and unlocking the data security system.

The method as described above further comprising: entering a user name or password in the mobile device; determining when the user name or password is valid in a server after receiving the user name or password from the mobile device; communicating from the server to the mobile device when the user name or password is valid; and communicating from the mobile device to the data security system when the user name or password is valid to unlock the data security system.

The method as described above further comprising: entering a user name or password in the mobile device; determining when the user name or password is valid in a server after receiving the user name or password from the mobile device; communicating from the server to the mobile device when the user name or password is valid; determining when the identification number is valid in the server after receiving the identification number from the mobile device; and unlocking the data security system through the mobile device when the server determines the identification number is valid.

The method as described above further comprising: providing a valid location of the mobile device to a server; determining in the server when the mobile device is in the valid location; and unlocking the data security system through the mobile device when the server determines the mobile device is in the valid location.

The method as described above further comprising: providing a current time of operation for the data security system at the mobile device to a server; determining in the server when the mobile device is within the current time; and unlocking the data security system through the mobile device when the server determines the mobile device has the current time.

The method as described above further comprising: providing a command in a server; providing the command to the mobile device from the server in response to a command waiting signal from the mobile device; and performing the command in the data security system through the mobile device when the command is provided from the server.

The method as described above further comprising: providing a change password command in a server; providing the change password command to the mobile device from the server in response to a change password signal from the mobile device; and unlocking the data security system with the changed password in the data security system.

The method as described above further comprising connecting the data security system to a host computer for power and to be discoverable by the host computer.

A data security system comprising: a data security transceiver or receiver; an authentication subsystem operatively connected to the data security transceiver or receiver; and a storage subsystem connected to the authentication subsystem.

The system as described above further comprising a security controller connected to the data security transceiver or the receiver and to the authentication subsystem.

The system as described above further comprising a mobile device having a data security system application operating with the security controller for maintaining connectivity when the data security system is within a predetermined proximity to the mobile device.

The system as described above further comprising a mobile device having a data security system application operating with the security controller for maintaining connectivity when the data security system is within a predetermined proximity to the mobile device for a predetermined period of time.

The system as described above further comprising a mobile device having a mobile transceiver or receiver for maintaining connectivity using bi-directional communication between the data security system and the mobile device.

The system as described above further comprising a mobile device having a mobile transceiver or receiver for maintaining connectivity using uni-directional communication between the data security system and the mobile device.

The system as described above further comprising a wired or wireless connection communication between a mobile device with a data security system application and a server containing a user management database.

The system as described above wherein the data security system includes an external communication channel for connection to a host computer.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating the remote locking of a device from the management console. An administrator may enter a command to unlock at the server/console <NUM>, and when the mobile device <NUM>, associated with data security system <NUM>, establishes a connection with the server console <NUM>, the data security system will be locked and the user will not be able to unlock it until a new command is generated to unlock the device.

At operation <NUM>, the lock is specified at the server/console <NUM> for the specific data security system <NUM>. When the mobile device <NUM> sends a connection request <NUM> from the application executing on the mobile device, the server/console responds <NUM> with a command to lock the data security system <NUM>.

The mobile device <NUM> forwards <NUM> the lock DSS command. The data security system <NUM> then performs the law of operation <NUM>, which disables user unlocking of the data security system <NUM> until a new unlock command is received. For example, the new unlock command may be sent by an administrator of the account associated with the data security system <NUM>.

After the data security system <NUM> is locked, the data security system <NUM> sends a locked confirmation <NUM> to the mobile device <NUM>. The mobile device <NUM> then forwards <NUM> the locked confirmation to the server/console <NUM>. The server/console <NUM> then confirms <NUM> that the DSS has been locked, so the DSS <NUM> will show as locked and the lock request is completed.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating keeping the data security system <NUM> unlocked during a reset process. If a host performs a reboot, the host shuts down and then restarts again. If the host has a secure SED and the SED is using the power source in the host, when the host shuts down, the SED will lose power and the SED will be locked. Even if the SED uses its own power supply, the SED may detect that the host has shut down and the SED will lock.

When the host restarts, the SED will not be available until the user unlocks the SED. However, in some cases, it is convenient to keep the SED unlocked during a reboot, or some other short-term power cycle, so the user does not have to go through the unlock process again. From the point of view of the user, the user already unlocked the SED, so there shouldn't be a need to unlock it again, just because the host reboots.

In some example embodiments, a restart timer is used to keep the data security system <NUM> unlocked during a reboot. The restart timer may be implemented on the mobile device <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>, or may be implemented by the data security system <NUM> itself (not shown).

At operation <NUM>, the application executing on the mobile device <NUM> is activated, and at operation <NUM>, the DSS <NUM> is unlocked as previously described.

At operation <NUM>, the data security system <NUM> detects a host restart operation, and a restart notification is sent <NUM> to the mobile device <NUM>. The mobile device <NUM> then starts a restart timer <NUM>, such that when the data security system <NUM> restarts within a threshold amount of time, the data security system <NUM> will automatically be initialized in the unlocked state without requiring user authentication.

In operation <NUM>, the data security system <NUM> initializes. The data security system is discovered at operation <NUM> by the mobile device <NUM>. After the discovery, the mobile device <NUM> performs a check <NUM> to determine if the restart timer has expired.

If the restart timer has not expired, the mobile device <NUM> sends a start-unlocked command <NUM> to the data security system <NUM>. If the restart timer has expired, the mobile device <NUM> starts a new unlock sequence <NUM> that requires user authentication. At operation <NUM>, the data security system <NUM> initializes in the unlocked state in response to the start unlocked command <NUM> received from the mobile device <NUM>.

If the data security system <NUM> implements the restart timer, the data security system <NUM> will check the timer upon initialization. If the timer has not expired, the data security system <NUM> will initialize in the unlock state; otherwise, the data security system <NUM> will wait for the unlock sequence.

<FIG> is a user interface <NUM> for configuring drive operations, according to some example embodiments. The remote management user interface provides different options for managing users, administrators, counts, drives, licenses, etc., as described below with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> shows the user interface <NUM> for managing drives ("managed drives"). The user interface <NUM> includes a message indicating that this screen corresponds to an account summary for a company (e.g., CorpA), for a given administrator of the company (e.g., admin.

The drive information is presented in tabular form in a drives dashboard <NUM>, which includes drives table <NUM> and a search option <NUM> for searching drives. The drives table <NUM> includes information for a list of drives, identified in the first column by their serial number. For each drive, the drives table <NUM> indicates if the drive is active or not, a flag indicating if offline use is allowed, a flag indicating if a reset is pending for the drive, a flag indicating if an administrator unlock command is pending, a flag indicating if a change of user password is pending, and a more button <NUM> that provides additional options. In some example embodiments, the more button <NUM> provides options for deleting a drive from the system and for instantly locking the drive (as soon as communication with the drive is established).

The options for managing drives allow flexibility in the control of SEDs. For example, if an administrator suspects that a drive is being attacked by a malicious agent, the administrator can set a command to delete the drive or instantly lock the drive <NUM>. Once communication is established with the drive (e.g., via the mobile device), a delete drive operation will destroy the encryption key in the drive, and since the data is stored encrypted, it will not be possible to access the data stored in the drive.

If the instant lock is set, the drive will automatically lock. For example, if a laptop is stolen, the instant lock will automatically lock the drive, without having to wait for a timeout or detecting that the mobile device is beyond the safe area of operation.

Additionally, the administrator may request a remote unlock of the drive, and when the indication is established with the drive, the drive will automatically unlock and enable the data channel.

If the administrator selects one of the drives, a new screen (not shown) will provide additional options for managing the drive, such as enabling or disabling the drive, resetting the drive, changing the user password, and ordering an administrator unlock, indicating the user associated with the drive.

<FIG> is a user interface <NUM> for managing users of remote devices, according to some example embodiments. The user interface <NUM> includes a users dashboard <NUM> and a window <NUM> for adding users.

The users dashboard <NUM> presents the users of the system in a users table <NUM>. For each user, the users table <NUM> provides the name of the user, the login, a flag indicating if the user is enabled or disabled, and a button that provides additional commands, such as delete user, rename user, change password, etc..

The window <NUM> provides fields for entering the name of the new user, the email address of the new user, an option for importing data for the user, and a create-user button <NUM>.

<FIG> is a user interface <NUM> for setting time and geographic constraints on the use of devices. The user interface <NUM> allows configuring options for a user (e.g., alex@corpa. A window <NUM> lists the drives enabled for this user and provides a field for adding additional drives.

Further, the windows <NUM> and <NUM> provide options for setting limits to the drives. The window <NUM> includes two fields for entering a begin time and an end time in the day when the use is allowed. Another field allows the user to select the time zone for the time boundaries. If no time limits are set, the user may use the drive anytime during the day.

The window <NUM> enables setting geographic limitations for the use of the allowed drives. The limitations may include setting an address (including street address, city, and country) or geographic coordinates, that together with a radius defines the region where the drive or drives may be used. The geographic limitations may also be configured for use in a given continent. A map <NUM> highlights the areas where use is enabled or disabled based on the geographic parameters configured.

<FIG> is a user interface <NUM> that provides a summary of the configured features for a client, according to some example embodiments. Window <NUM> includes different options for managing an account, and the option "Summary" <NUM> indicates that this is the summary view. The window <NUM> further includes a table <NUM> that provides summary data for the account.

In some example embodiments, the summary data includes the following fields: Licensed to, which indicates the name of the company that owns the license; License Type, which indicates the type of license; License Created By, which indicates the creator of the license; the License Key; Number of Administrators, which indicates the current number of administrators and the total number of possible administrators; Number of Users, which indicates the current number of users and the maximum number of users; and Number of Drives, which indicates the current number of drives in use and the maximum number of drives allowed by the license.

<FIG> is a user interface <NUM> for configuring administrator contacts for a client, according to some example embodiments. In user interface <NUM>, the Admin Contacts option <NUM> is highlighted within window <NUM>, and the administrators table <NUM> shows a summary of the configured administrators, including their name or login, mobile phone information, and the last time the administrator logged into the system. In other example embodiments, other fields may be included, such as the fields of administrator user table <NUM> of <FIG>.

A similar interface (not shown) is presented when the user selects the User Contacts option, and the information about the users is presented. Additional details may be provided, including any of the fields of user table <NUM> of <FIG>.

<FIG> is a user interface <NUM> for accessing drive-activity information, according to some example embodiments. The drives table <NUM>, inside window <NUM>, provides information about the drives configured for the client when the Drives Activity option <NUM> is selected.

Each entry in the drives table <NUM> includes the drive identifier (e.g., serial number), the date when the drive was provisioned (e.g., configured into the system), the administrator that provisioned the drive, the last time the drive was used, the user that used the drive last, and a geographical icon that would present the location where the drive was used for the last time. In other example embodiments, additional drive information may be provided, such as the drive data from drive table <NUM> of <FIG>.

<FIG> is a flowchart of a method <NUM> for providing host-independent user-authentication for a self-encrypting device incorporated into a host system, according to some example embodiments. While the various operations in this flowchart are presented and described sequentially, one of ordinary skill will appreciate that some or all of the operations may be executed in a different order, be combined or omitted, or be executed in parallel.

At operation <NUM>, a self-encrypting device is provided in a host computer system having one or more processors, and a data channel.

From operation <NUM>, the method <NUM> flows to operation <NUM> for establishing a clear communication channel between a data interface of the self-encrypting device and a data channel of the host computer system. The clear communication channel is locked until the self-encrypting device is authenticated.

From operation <NUM>, the method <NUM> flows to operation <NUM> for receiving, via a radio frequency (RF) transceiver of the self-encrypting device, user-authentication information.

From operation <NUM>, the method <NUM> flows to operation <NUM> where an authentication subsystem of the self-encrypting device unlocks the clear communication channel based on the user-authentication information.

From operation <NUM>, the method <NUM> flows to operation <NUM> for encrypting data, received by the self-encrypting device through the data interface, with an encryption key provided by the user-authentication subsystem of the self-encrypting device.

From operation <NUM>, the method <NUM> flows to operation <NUM>, where the encrypted data is stored in a storage subsystem of the self-encrypting device.

In one example, the self-encrypting device authenticates a user without use of the one or more processors of the host computer system.

In one example, the RF transceiver is configured for communication with a mobile device, wherein the mobile device sends the user-authentication information to unlock the self-encrypting device.

In one example, an application in the mobile device provides a user interface for obtaining the user-authentication information from a user.

In one example, an application in the mobile device authenticates a user by validating the user with a management server, wherein the self-encrypting device receives an unlock command from the mobile device in response to the management server validating the user.

In one example, the host computer system further includes an encryption engine, wherein the authentication subsystem stores an encryption key and the authentication subsystem transmits the encryption key to the encryption engine when the self-encrypting device is unlocked.

In one example, the self-encrypting device initializes a timer when a shutdown of the system is detected, wherein the self-encrypting device initializes in a locked state and the self-encrypting device is automatically unlocked if the self-encrypting device is initialized before an expiration of the timer.

In one example, data is transmitted in clear form between the data interface and the data channel.

In one example, the authentication subsystem stores an authentication key for authenticating a user for unlocking the self-encrypting device.

In one example, the host computer system is one of a laptop, a personal computer, a kitchen appliance, a printer, a scanner, a server, a tablet device, or a smart television set.

<FIG> is a flowchart of a method <NUM> for remote management of self-encrypting devices with host-independent autonomous wireless authentication, according to some example embodiments. While the various operations in this flowchart are presented and described sequentially, one of ordinary skill will appreciate that some or all of the operations may be executed in a different order, be combined or omitted, or be executed in parallel.

Operation <NUM> is for providing a user interface to access a management server for managing users of self-encrypting devices. The management server comprises a database storing information about the users and the self-encrypting devices.

From operation <NUM>, the method <NUM> flows to operation <NUM> for receiving, by the management server, a request from a mobile device to unlock a self-encrypting device for a user, the self-encrypting device being in wireless communication with the mobile device.

From operation <NUM>, the method <NUM> flows to operation <NUM> where the management server verifies user-authentication information of the user, received in the request, for unlocking access to the self-encrypting device.

From operation <NUM>, the method <NUM> flows to operation <NUM> where the management server sends an unlock command to the mobile device based on the checking, the mobile device sending an unlock request to the self-encrypting device via the wireless communication. The self-encrypting device is configured to unlock the data channel, to provide data access to encrypted storage in the self-encrypting device.

In one example, the method <NUM> further comprises receiving, via the user interface, a second request to lock the self-encrypting device; detecting, by the management server, a connection with the mobile device in wireless communication with the self-encrypting device; and sending a lock command to the mobile device to lock the self-encrypting device.

In one example, the method <NUM> further comprises receiving, via the user interface, a third request to reset the self-encrypting device; detecting, by the management server, a connection with the mobile device in wireless communication with the self-encrypting device; and sending a reset command to the mobile device, the self-encrypting device configured to delete an encryption key in the self-encrypting device in response to the reset command.

In one example, the method <NUM> further comprises providing, in the user interface, options to configure the self-encrypting devices, the options being to reset, enable, disable, lock, or unlock each self-encrypting device.

In one example, each drive has a unique hardware identifier stored in the database.

In one example, the method <NUM> further comprises providing, in the user interface, options to allow access to one or more self-encrypting devices by a given user.

In one example, the method <NUM> further comprises providing, in the user interface, options to establish geographic boundaries for use of the self-encrypting devices by the user.

In one example, the method <NUM> further comprises providing, in the user interface, options to establish time-of-day boundaries for use of the self-encrypting devices by the user.

In one example, the method <NUM> further comprises providing in the user interface, options to manage licenses for an account in the management server, the options including determining a maximum number of administrators, a maximum number of self-encrypting devices, and a maximum number of users.

In one example, the method <NUM> further comprises providing, in the user interface, options to view self-encrypting device activity including data of provisioning, user that provisioned, time of last access, user in last access, and geographic location of last access.

<FIG> is a block diagram illustrating an example of a machine <NUM> upon or by which one or more example process embodiments described herein may be implemented or controlled. In an example, the machine <NUM> may act as a peer machine in a peer-to-peer (P2P) (or other distributed) network environment. Further, while only a single machine <NUM> is illustrated, the term "machine" shall also be taken to include any collection of machines that individually or jointly execute a set (or multiple sets) of instructions to perform any one or more of the methodologies discussed herein, such as via cloud computing, software as a service (SaaS), or other computer cluster configurations.

Examples, as described herein, may include, or may operate by, logic, a number of components, or mechanisms. Circuitry is a collection of circuits implemented in tangible entities that include hardware (e.g., simple circuits, gates, logic, etc.). Circuitry membership may be flexible over time and underlying hardware variability. Circuitries include members that may, alone or in combination, perform specified operations when operating. In an example, hardware of the circuitry may be immutably designed to carry out a specific operation (e.g., hardwired). In an example, the hardware of the circuitry may include variably connected physical components (e.g., execution units, transistors, simple circuits, etc.) including a computer-readable medium physically modified (e.g., magnetically, electrically, by moveable placement of invariant massed particles, etc.) to encode instructions of the specific operation. In connecting the physical components, the underlying electrical properties of a hardware constituent are changed (for example, from an insulator to a conductor or vice versa). The instructions enable embedded hardware (e.g., the execution units or a loading mechanism) to create members of the circuitry in hardware via the variable connections to carry out portions of the specific operation when in operation. Accordingly, the computer-readable medium is communicatively coupled to the other components of the circuitry when the device is operating. In an example, any of the physical components may be used in more than one member of more than one circuitry. For example, under operation, execution units may be used in a first circuit of a first circuitry at one point in time and reused by a second circuit in the first circuitry, or by a third circuit in a second circuitry, at a different time.

The machine (e.g., computer system) <NUM> may include a hardware processor <NUM> (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a hardware processor core, or any combination thereof), a self-encrypting drive (SED) <NUM>, a main memory <NUM>, and a static memory <NUM>, some or all of which may communicate with each other via an interlink (e.g., bus) <NUM>. The machine <NUM> may further include a display device <NUM>, an alphanumeric input device <NUM> (e.g., a keyboard), and a user interface (UI) navigation device <NUM> (e.g., a mouse). In an example, the display device <NUM>, alphanumeric input device <NUM>, and UI navigation device <NUM> may be a touch screen display. The machine <NUM> may additionally include a mass storage device (e.g., drive unit) <NUM>, a signal generation device <NUM> (e.g., a speaker), a network interface device <NUM>, and one or more sensors <NUM>, such as a Global Positioning System (GPS) sensor, compass, accelerometer, or another sensor. The machine <NUM> may include an output controller <NUM>, such as a serial (e.g., universal serial bus (USB)), parallel, or other wired or wireless (e.g., infrared (IR), near field communication (NFC), etc.) connection to communicate with or control one or more peripheral devices (e.g., a printer, card reader, etc.).

The mass storage device <NUM> may include a machine-readable medium <NUM> on which is stored one or more sets of data structures or instructions <NUM> (e.g., software) embodying or utilized by any one or more of the techniques or functions described herein. The instructions <NUM> may also reside, completely or at least partially, within the main memory <NUM>, within the static memory <NUM>, within the hardware processor <NUM>, or within the SED <NUM> during execution thereof by the machine <NUM>. In an example, one or any combination of the hardware processor <NUM>, the SED <NUM>, the main memory <NUM>, the static memory <NUM>, or the mass storage device <NUM> may constitute machine-readable media.

While the machine-readable medium <NUM> is illustrated as a single medium, the term "machine-readable medium" may include a single medium, or multiple media, (e.g., a centralized or distributed database, and/or associated caches and servers) configured to store the one or more instructions <NUM>.

The term "machine-readable medium" may include any medium that is capable of storing, encoding, or carrying instructions <NUM> for execution by the machine <NUM> and that cause the machine <NUM> to perform any one or more of the techniques of the present disclosure, or that is capable of storing, encoding, or carrying data structures used by or associated with such instructions <NUM>. Non-limiting machine-readable medium examples may include solid-state memories, and optical and magnetic media. In an example, a massed machine-readable medium comprises a machine-readable medium <NUM> with a plurality of particles having invariant (e.g., rest) mass. Accordingly, massed machine-readable media are not transitory propagating signals. Specific examples of massed machine-readable media may include non-volatile memory, such as semiconductor memory devices (e.g., Electrically Programmable Read-Only Memory (EPROM), Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM)) and flash memory devices; magnetic disks, such as internal hard disks and removable disks; magneto-optical disks; and CD-ROM and DVD-ROM disks.

The instructions <NUM> may further be transmitted or received over a communications network <NUM> using a transmission medium via the network interface device <NUM>.

As used herein, the term "or" may be construed in either an inclusive or exclusive sense. Moreover, plural instances may be provided for resources, operations, or structures described herein as a single instance. Additionally, boundaries between various resources, operations, modules, engines, and data stores are somewhat arbitrary, and particular operations are illustrated in a context of specific illustrative configurations. Other allocations of functionality are envisioned and may fall within a scope of various embodiments of the present disclosure. In general, structures and functionality presented as separate resources in the example configurations may be implemented as a combined structure or resource. Similarly, structures and functionality presented as a single resource may be implemented as separate resources. These and other variations, modifications, additions, and improvements fall within a scope of embodiments of the present disclosure as represented by the appended claims. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

Claim 1:
A host system (<NUM>) comprising:
one or more computer processors (<NUM>);
a data channel (<NUM>; <NUM>) connected to the one or more computer processors (<NUM>);
an embedded self-encrypting device, SED, (<NUM>, <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) connected to the data channel (<NUM>; <NUM>), the embedded self-encrypting device comprising:
an authentication subsystem (<NUM>) configured to validate a user (<NUM>) based on received user-authentication information;
an encryption engine (<NUM>) configured to encrypt data with an encryption key (<NUM>);
a storage media (<NUM>) that stores encrypted data that is encrypted with the encryption key;
a radio frequency, RF, transceiver (<NUM>; <NUM>) configured to provide a communication channel (<NUM>), said communication channel being different from the data channel (<NUM>); and
a data interface (<NUM>, FIG 6C) coupled with the data channel (<NUM>), the data interface being configured to lock sending and receiving data between the one or more computer processors (<NUM>) and the storage media (<NUM>) until the authentication subsystem (<NUM>) validates the user from user-authentication information (<NUM>) received via the RF transceiver (<NUM>), thereby unlocking the embedded self-encrypting device,
wherein the authentication subsystem (<NUM>) is further configured to provide the encryption key (<NUM>) to the encryption engine (<NUM>) once the user has been validated; and a casing enclosing the one or more computer processors (<NUM>), the data channel (<NUM>; <NUM>), and the embedded SED (<NUM>, <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>),
wherein validating the user with the embedded SED is independent from the host system (<NUM>),
wherein, when the user has not been validated and the host system powers up, the embedded SED is locked and invisible to the host system and the host system will not boot up (step <NUM>), and
wherein, when the embedded SED is unlocked (step <NUM>), the embedded SED becomes visible to the host system during power up and the host system will boot up.