Francotyp-postalia Ag & Co. Kg

Francotyp-postalia Ag & Co.

Peter Post

Dirk Rosenau

Torsten Schlaaff

Andreas Wagner

In a security module and a method for protecting a security module, wherein security-relevant data are stored in a memory in the module, proper insertion of the security module on a device motherboard is monitored with a first function unit and a second function in the security module. The first function unit signals the status of the security module. The second function unit detects improper use or improper replacement of the security module, and upon detection of improper use or improper replacement, the second function unit causes the security-relevant data to be erased.

Method for protecting a security module and arrangement for the implementation of the method

A method for protecting a security module includes the steps of monitoring proper insertion of the module on a device motherboard with first, second and third function units, erasing sensitive data due to an improper use or a replacement of the module with the second function unit, inhibiting the functionality of the module with the third function unit during a replacement of the security module, re-initializing the previously erased, sensitive data following proper use or replacement of the security module, and re-commissioning by enabling the function units of the security module. An arrangement implementation of the method has an unplugged status detection unit that has a circuit for resettable self-holding of a status indicator, the self-holding being triggered when the voltage level on a test voltage line deviates from a predetermined potential. A processor connected to the other function units and is programmed to identify and modify the status of the security module.

A security module with status signaling, has a battery, and function units that are interconnected with one another and are covered by a casting compound. The battery is replaceably arranged on the security module, with the casting compound surrounding a first part of the printed circuit board, and a second part of the printed circuit board for the replaceably arranged battery being free of casting compound. For signaling the module status, an optical or acoustic signal element is connected to the printed circuit board.

Security module with status signaling

In an arrangement for a security module that is plugged via an interface onto a base plate of a postal device, particularly a postage meter machine, the battery is replaceably arranged on the security module, and the voltage monitoring unit includes a circuit for a resettable self-holding, the self-holding being triggered when the battery voltage drops below a predetermined threshold. The status can be interrogated by a processor. The resetting of the self-holding can only be triggered when the battery voltage has risen above the predetermined threshold.

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Berlin, Germany

Peter Post