Abstract: Security systems for microelectronic devices physically lock the hardware itself and serve as a first line of defense by preventing overwriting, modification, manipulation or erasure of data stored in a device's memory. Implementations of the security systems can respond to lock/unlock commands that do not require signal or software interactivity with the functionality of the protected device, and which therefore may be consistent across devices.

Abstract: Security systems for microelectronic devices physically lock the hardware itself and serve as a first line of defense by preventing overwriting, modification, maniplation or erasure of data stored in a device's memory. Implementations of the security systems can respond to lock/unlock commands that do not require signal or software interactivity with the functionality of the protected device, and which therefore may be consistent across devices. In various embodiments, a security device passively “listens” on data lines of the protected device and, when a lock or unlock command is received (typically in conjunction with a valid authentication code), the security device physically blocks or allows passage of signals to and from the protected device.