Tamper and zeroization response unit

Abstract

A device that encapsulates functions necessary to sanitize an electronic system after detecting tampering or when user zeroization occurs. The device includes a FPGA, sensors, external tamper sensors, a battery, interfaces or discrete signals required to execute sanitization of hard drives, flash, registers, etc. The device issues a sanitization response through interface commands Manual sanitization (zeroization) can be achieved two ways, locally or through a remote zeroize button/switch/discrete. The sanitization response is activated through monitoring the tamper sensors. The sanitization response will destroy stored data and encryption keys before they can be compromised. The sanitization response could produce a notification that an event has occurred. The system can provide data protection without main line or standby power. Sensors could include, chassis intrusion switches, motion detectors, radiation sensors, light sensors, temperature sensors, magnetic sensors, or other external inputs.