초록 ▼

Described is a computer system which is coupled to a remote computer via a network cable. The computer system has a normally closed enclosure and is capable of securing data retained within the system against unauthorized access and notifying the remote computer when an unauthorized access has occur

Described is a computer system which is coupled to a remote computer via a network cable. The computer system has a normally closed enclosure and is capable of securing data retained within the system against unauthorized access and notifying the remote computer when an unauthorized access has occurred. The computer system includes an erasable memory element mounted within the enclosure for selective activation to active and inactive states and for receiving and storing a security password when in the active state. A manually operable option switch is mounted within the enclosure. The option switch is manually settable by a user of the computer system for setting the memory element to the active and inactive states. A tamper detection switch is mounted within the enclosure and operatively connected with the memory element for detecting opening of the enclosure and for generating a tamper alert signal and clearing any stored security password from the memory element in response to any switching of the tamper switch. The computer system further includes a network connector which is operative to receive the tamper alert signal and upon so receiving, transmit an alert packet over the communication line to the remote computer. The alert packet contains an alert message and information which specifically identifies the computer system.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A computer system coupled to a remote computer via a data communication line and being capable of securing data retained within the system against unauthorized access and notifying said remote computer when an unauthorized access has occurred, said system comprising:a nor

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A computer system coupled to a remote computer via a data communication line and being capable of securing data retained within the system against unauthorized access and notifying said remote computer when an unauthorized access has occurred, said system comprising:a normally closed enclosure,an erasable memory element mounted within said enclosure for selective activation to active and inactive states and for receiving and storing a security password when in the active state,a manually operable option switch mounted within said enclosure, said option switch being operatively connected with said erasable memory element and manually settable by a user of the computer system for setting said erasable memory element to the active and inactive states,a tamper detection switch mounted within said enclosure and operatively connected with said erasable memory element for detecting opening of said enclosure and for generating a tamper alert signal and clearing any stored security password from said erasable memory element in response to any switching of said tamper detection switch,a central processing unit mounted within said enclosure and operatively connected with said erasable memory element for controlling access to at least certain levels of data stored within the system by distinguishing between the active and inactive states of said memory element and between entry and non-entry of any stored security password,a network connector in circuit communication with said CPU, said network connector being operative to receive said tamper alert signal and upon so receiving, transmit an alert packet over the communication line to said remote computer, said alert packet containing an alert message and information which specifically identifies said local computer system, andsaid network connector being supplied with auxiliary power and being operative to receive said tamper alert signal and generate said alert packet regardless of a power state that said computer system is in.