Abstract: Systems and methods of providing security to an external Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA) device are described herein. A controller is connected between the eSATA device and the computing device. On startup, the controller presents a first partition of eSata device as a Read Only Memory, e.g., CD-ROM, but at the same time it restricts access of the computing device to a second partition of the eSata device until receiving a valid identity authentication. The second partition is preferably encrypted with a key stored on a first partition. Decryption is performed in the controller as part of presenting the eSata device. The authentication process is preferably stored in the first partition and downloaded to the computing device on startup.

Abstract: Systems and methods of providing security to an external Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA) device are described herein. A controller is connected between the eSATA device and the computing device. On startup, the controller presents a first partition of eSata device as a Read Only Memory, e.g., CD-ROM, but at the same time it restricts access of the computing device to a second partition of the eSata device until receiving a valid identity authentication. The second partition is preferably encrypted with a key stored on a first partition. Decryption is performed in the controller as part of presenting the eSata device. The authentication process is preferably stored in the first partition and downloaded to the computing device on startup.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of configuring the byte structure of a memory storage device, including a flash memory device, to enhance the security and error correction capability is described. In one embodiment, the method includes increasing the security of data stored in the storage device by encrypting data with a unique initialization vector and storing the initialization vector in the storage device. The method also includes using a unique initialization vector for encrypting data, to be stored in each datablock, each time data are encrypted. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes an AES controller that includes encryption and decryption modules to encrypt and decrypt data prior to writing data to or reading from the storage device. The apparatus also includes an encoder module and decoder circuits to encode and decode data prior to writing or reading from memory storage devices.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of automatically selecting an optimal ECC algorithm by NAND Flash controller to detect and correct errors to read or write data from or to a flash memory device is described. In one embodiment, the method includes selecting the optimal algorithm by identifying the characteristics of the target flash memory device such as but not limited to redundant data size. The method also includes determining the optimal algorithm based on the application stored in the target flash memory device.

Abstract: An external storage controller provides access for a host to a peripheral storage device of a computer system. The controller identifies a presence of multiple disk drives, and provides logical access to the multiple disk drives as a single disk drive having a storage capacity greater than a storage capacity of any one of the multiple disk drives.

Abstract: Systems and methods of storage device data encryption and data access via a hardware key are described here. One embodiment includes a hardware key to intercept a request sent from a host to a storage device to access data stored on one of a set of storage devices, wherein the data stored on the storage device has been encrypted. The hardware key is configured to be plugged into a port of the host and comprising a unit to control data access to the set of storage devices. The hardware key is to interpret the request and issue a command to the one of the set of storage devices, to access the encrypted data. The hardware key is to provide an encryption key to decipher the encrypted data from the one of the set of storage devices.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dynamically distributing data to an appropriate storage device based on the significance of the data. In one embodiment the method determines the significance of a data file using the format of the data file. The method also includes identifying a storage device and memory location of the storage device to write the data. In a software implementation, a computer system employs a filter driver and/or a device driver to identify and store data files. In another embodiment, a storage controller includes a state machine that initiates and executes firmware to determine the data file format and also the storage device location.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of providing power to an external Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA) device via a computing device are described here. One embodiment includes, transmitting data to a plurality of devices via at least one port of a first type of a computing device, and providing power to the plurality of devices via at least one port of a second type of the computing device; wherein the plurality of devices comprises one or more of a disk controller and an external Serial Advanced Technology Attachment device. The at least one port of the first type of the computing device is an external Serial Advanced Technology Attachment port and the at least one port of the second type of the computing device is a Universal Serial Bus port. In one embodiment, the disk controller comprises at least one parallel advanced technology attachment port.

Abstract: Systems and methods of providing security to an external Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA) device are described herein. One embodiment includes presenting to a computing device, a first partition of an external Serial Advanced Technology Attachment storage device, as a Read Only Memory; restricting the computing device from accessing a secured second partition of the external Serial Advanced Technology Attachment storage device; and in response to receiving a valid identity authentication, unrestricting access to the second partition of the external Serial Advanced Technology Attachment storage device. In one embodiment, in response to receiving a logon request from the computing device, an identity authentication process is initiated, wherein the process is stored on the first partition.

Abstract: Systems and methods of storage device data encryption and data access are described herein. Some embodiments of the present invention are summarized in this section. One embodiment includes receiving a request to access data stored on a storage device, wherein the data stored on the storage device has been encrypted using at least one encryption key. In response to receiving the request, prompting a user to provide a password, and in response to receiving a password matching a predetermined password, accessing the encryption key to decipher the requested data stored on the storage device.

Abstract: Systems and methods of storage device data encryption and data access via a hardware key are described herein. One embodiment includes a hardware key intercepting a request sent from a host to a storage device to access data stored on the storage device, wherein the data stored on the storage device has been encrypted using a first encryption key, the hardware key configured to be plugged into a port of the host and the hardware key comprising a controller comprising the first encryption key to decipher the encrypted data from the storage device. The hardware key interpreting the request and issuing a command to the storage device to access the encrypted data. The hardware key providing the first encryption key to decipher the encrypted data from the storage device.

Abstract: An apparatus that includes a serial port configured to interface with a separate host, one serial interface engine (SIE) connected to the serial port, and at least a first interface unit and a second interface unit connected to the one serial interface engine. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a virtual hub comprising a firmware unit configured to emulate a hub having multiple ports. In another alternative embodiment, the apparatus is a Universal Serial Bus (USB) peripheral and the serial port is a Universal Serial Bus port. In another alternative embodiment, apparatus is housed within a keyboard.

Abstract: An apparatus that includes a serial port configured to interface with a separate host, one serial interface engine (SIE) connected to the serial port, and at least a first interface unit and a second interface unit connected to the one serial interface engine. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a virtual hub comprising a firmware unit configured to emulate a hub having multiple ports. In another alternative embodiment, the apparatus is a Universal Serial Bus (USB) peripheral and the serial port is a Universal Serial Bus port. In another alternative embodiment, apparatus is housed within a keyboard.

Abstract: One embodiment as described herein provides a system and method for enhancing external storage. One embodiment includes a controller of a peripheral device of a computer system. The controller provides access a storage medium of the peripheral device. In one embodiment, the storage medium of the peripheral device includes a section of storage reserved for firmware of the peripheral device.