Content-on-demand memory key with positive access evidence feature

Abstract

A method, system and apparatus for identifying unauthorized access to memory locations in a multi-element data storage device. The invention includes a restrictive key that is physically coupled to at least one inaccessible memory element in the data storage device. The key prevents the user from accessing the data in that element. A securing device connects the restrictive key to the data storage device's housing. When the key is altered from its initial position, the securing device is broken. Because the securing device is at least partially located on the outside of the device housing, it is readily visible. Therefore, if the securing device has been broken, the key to which the securing device was coupled was necessarily moved. This provides visual evidence that there has been an attempt to access one or more data memory areas that had been previously been rendered inaccessible by the restrictive key.