Removable storage device and authentication method

Abstract

A removable storage device includes: an interface which is defined by a predetermined format and to which an external device is connectable; a data storage part in which data is stored and data is exchanged between the data storage part and the external device connected to the interface; a fingerprint reading sensor configured to read a fingerprint; authentication method selection unit for selecting an authentication method; first authentication means for verifying whether the fingerprint read by the fingerprint reading sensor is matched with a fingerprint registered beforehand by comparing them in accordance with the selection by the authentication method selection means; second authentication means for verifying whether character and symbol information extracted based on traces drawn on the fingerprint reading sensor is matched with registered character and symbol information registered beforehand by comparing them in accordance with the selection by the authentication method selection means; and determination means for determining whether to grant the external device access to the data storage part in accordance with an authentication result by the first authentication means or / and an authentication result by the second authentication means.

Description

[0001] Related Application Cross Reference [0002] The present application contains subject matter related to Japanese Patent Application No. 2005-372517 filed in the Japan Patent Office on December 26, 2005, the entire content of which is hereby incorporated by reference. technical field [0003] The present invention relates to a mobile storage device, which is connected to an external device through a predetermined interface, and according to a predetermined verification result, authorizes or denies the external device to access a storage part storing data therein, and relates to a verification method. Background technique [0004] In terms of personal computer security including logging into a personal computer (PC) or network security via a network such as logging into a domain, it is increasingly difficult to maintain security based on password authentication based on human knowledge and memory. In recent years, various schemes of personal authentication using biometr...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

[0007] However, when combined with a password authentication scheme for use with a PC, it is possible to unknowingly place a Trojan horse or spyware into a PC to steal another person's password

Thus, authentication levels based on password logins result in (result in-determining) security levels, and biometric authentication is meaningless

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