Patent ID: 7299327

Claim:
A system for identifying unauthorized access of portions of a data storage device, the system comprising: a solid state data storage device having an outer and inner surface, the data storage device including one or more memory elements; a restrictive key coupled to the one or more memory elements and comprising a tab integral with the solid state storage device, the key restricting access to the one or more memory elements, wherein the key is irreversibly alterable from a first state to at least a second state such that physically altering the state of the key provides access to the one or more memory elements to which the key is coupled, and lasting physical evidence of possible access to the one or more memory elements after the state of the key has been altered; and an electrical circuit at least partially positioned within the tab, the electrical circuit disabling access to contents of the memory element to which the electrical circuit is connected, wherein removal of the tab enables access to the contents of the memory element and irreversibly alters the key from the first state to the second state.