Security method and apparatus for locking of mediators between console peripheral devices and hosts

Abstract

A mediator and a method for securing a mediator for coupling between one or more hosts and one or more consoles comprising one or more peripheral devices. The mediator is having at least three stages: (i) a security setup stage; (ii) a neutralization stage; and (iii) a normal operation stage. In the normal operation stage, the mediator couples between at least one of the one or more peripheral devices and at least one of the one or more peripheral devices. In the neutralization stage the mediator disable coupling between at least one of the one or more peripheral devices and at least one of the one or more peripheral devices. The securing method starts with the security setup stage after at least one of (a) a power-up; (b) a reset; (c) a device connection; and (d) an unlock command. Upon entering the security setup stage, the method performs the following: (1) reading the device information of the one or more peripheral devices; (2) if the mediator is in Unlock state, waiting for a locking command and upon locking command arrival, register the information of the one or more peripheral devices to non-volatile memory, and proceed to normal operation stage, (3) if the mediator is in Lock state, compare the registered information of the one or more peripheral devices with the information read previously, and upon a match proceed to normal operation stage and upon a miss-match proceed to neutralization stage. The lock and unlock commands are provided from an authorized user or an administrator.