JPH10301655A - Built-in security function personal computer and its recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent a personal computer from being stolen and to protect a file and data inside the personal computer. SOLUTION: When a dedicated security signal cable 7 which is connected to a host machine 8 is disconnected, a connection sense circuit 3 detects it and sends an alarm to the machine 8. At the same time, it notifies a detected result to a buzzer circuit 12 and an I/O controller 13. And it rings a speaker 11 and sounds an alarm in the neighborhood, also nullifies I/O access and protects internal data.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a personal computer with a built-in security function, and more particularly to a personal computer with a built-in security function that generates an audible alarm when an abnormality occurs and protects data of a file, and a recording medium for a processing program therefor.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, this type of personal computer with a built-in security function can protect data inside the personal computer by I / O lock or the like. However, in recent years, as personal computers have become smaller and lighter, anyone can easily carry them. There is a need to prevent files from being stolen.

For example, according to Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 05-176374, as shown in FIG.
In the personal computer monitoring system for monitoring with one personal computer monitoring device, the personal computer monitoring device 51 includes the personal computers 61 to 6.
8 is connected to control signal wireless devices 52 to 55 provided in a monitoring area where each PC is installed, and each personal computer has a built-in wireless device capable of communicating with the control signal wireless device by radio waves.

Each personal computer transmits a user ID, a password, a place where the personal computer is installed, and the like to the personal computer monitoring device at the time of start-up. Send the permission signal to the personal computer. When the personal computer is started upon receiving the use permission signal, the personal computer monitoring device monitors the use state of the personal computer to prevent theft of the personal computer and unauthorized use of files. However, since the location of each personal computer is confirmed using radio waves from the wireless device, the range in which the occurrence of theft can be monitored is limited.

[0005]

As described above, the conventional personal computer with a built-in security function has a problem that the range in which the theft can be prevented is limited. That is, since a conventional personal computer with a built-in security function uses a wireless device to monitor the personal computer by radio waves, theft cannot be prevented where radio waves do not reach.

An object of the present invention is to improve the above-mentioned drawbacks, in addition to a commonly used data protection function inside a personal computer, and to prevent the theft of a laptop or notebook personal computer which is easy to carry. Another object of the present invention is to provide a personal computer with a built-in security function, which is provided with means for preventing such problems.

[0007]

A personal computer with a built-in security function of the present invention is connected to a personal computer with a built-in security function for preventing theft and unauthorized use when a security signal cable for reporting an abnormality to the outside is cut off. In addition, an alarm sound is emitted from the speaker, and data input / output between the peripheral device connected to the personal computer and the personal computer is prohibited.

Further, in the personal computer with a built-in security function of the present invention, the security interface for connecting the security signal cable to the personal computer has a function of detecting that the security signal cable is cut off.

Further, the personal computer with a built-in security function of the present invention includes a security signal cable for reporting an abnormality to the outside, a security interface for connecting the security signal cable and detecting that the security signal cable is cut off, and the security interface for the security interface. When detecting the interruption of the security signal cable, instruct the speaker connected to the personal computer to output an alarm sound, and prohibit data input / output between the peripheral device connected to the personal computer and the personal computer. And a connection sense circuit for instructing

Further, in the personal computer with a built-in security function of the present invention, the connection sense circuit sends an instruction signal for sounding a speaker connected to the personal computer in response to a report from the security interface, and the security interface A peripheral device connected to the personal computer in response to a notification from the personal computer, and an I / O lock unit for transmitting an instruction signal for prohibiting data input / output with the personal computer.

Further, the recording medium storing the security processing program of the present invention is a detection signal for detecting that a security signal cable for reporting an abnormality to the outside is cut off in a personal computer with a built-in security function for preventing theft and unauthorized use. An event notification program for transmitting a first instruction signal for sounding a speaker connected to the personal computer in accordance with the following, and a second for prohibiting data input / output between the peripheral device connected to the personal computer and the personal computer according to the detection signal. And an alarm release program for releasing the first and second instruction signals in accordance with specific conditions set in advance.

That is, in the personal computer with a built-in security function of the present invention, the security function operates when a security signal connected to the host machine is cut off by a third party. Specifically, it has means for connecting the security signal to the host machine and means for monitoring the connection,
The means for monitoring the connection of the security signal includes a means for notifying an event signal for sounding a speaker when interruption is detected, and a means for invalidating I / O access.

When the means for connecting the security signal to the host machine is interrupted, the host machine is warned of theft, and after detecting the signal interruption by the means for monitoring the connection of the security signal, the generated event signal is notified. A speaker sounds in response to the means, alerting the surroundings of the security signal being cut off. At the same time, the internal data can be protected by means for invalidating the I / O access.

[0014]

Next, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, a personal computer 1 with a built-in security function of the present invention has a connection sense circuit 3 in addition to a conventional main circuit 2.

The connection sense circuit 3 is connected to the event notification unit 4
I / O lock section 5, each of which transmits two security signals (full-duplex data communication) via a security interface 6 to a dedicated security signal cable 7.
To connect to the host machine 8 and monitor the signal connection. Since the security interface 6 is an interface unique to the above-mentioned security signal cable 7, the peripheral device 9 uses the conventional I / O interface 1.
Connected to 0.

The main circuit 2 includes a power supply control circuit 11, a buzzer circuit 12, and an I / O controller 13. The power control circuit 11 and the buzzer circuit 12 can be controlled by an event from the event notification unit 4, and the buzzer circuit 12 that has received the event sounds the speaker 14. In addition, the I / O lock unit 5 can perform I / O control by sending a command to the I / O controller 13 in response to the interruption of the security signal dedicated cable 7.

When the security function is set in the above-mentioned personal computer with a built-in security function, the personal computer is suspended. However, if the power control circuit 11 resumes the personal computer by operating the resume switch 15, the security function setting is released. Normal use becomes possible.

FIGS. 2 and 3 are flow charts showing the operation of the personal computer with a built-in security function.

In order to use the security function of the present invention, the personal computer 1 with built-in security function is started by turning on the power (step ST1), and the menu setting is opened (step ST2). "Not used" is set (step ST3). If "not used", it is normal use (step ST4).

The security function of the present invention protects internal data by preventing theft that frequently occurs after returning home from a personal computer normally used in a company or the like. In the following, assuming such a situation, a description will be given from the setting of the security function “use” to the release thereof.

When the security function "use" is set on the menu, it is necessary to input a password to make this function effective (step ST5). If the result of comparing the password stored in the backup memory with the entered password does not match three times in a row, an error occurs and the processing ends abnormally (step ST
The power of the personal computer is forcibly turned off by 6) (step ST20).

If the collation results match, the personal computer is automatically suspended at that time (step ST7).
However, only the connection sense circuit 3 is switched to the backup power supply for monitoring the security signal. At this time, the power switch of the personal computer and the volume switch of the speaker are masked so that they cannot be operated (step ST7). At this stage, the setting of the security function is completed, and the administrator of the personal computer can return home.

After the administrator returns home, a third party pulls out (or cuts) the security signal cable 7 of the personal computer.
When an attempt is made to steal, the connection sense circuit 3 that has been monitoring that the security signal has been interrupted (step ST8) operates.

First, the event notification unit 4 transmits an event to the host machine 8, the power supply control circuit 11, and the buzzer circuit 12, and each receives the event (Step S).
T9).

Normally, the host machine is managed by a company guard or the like, and the guard can know that the theft has occurred by receiving a warning due to the occurrence of an event. Further, after receiving the event, the power supply control circuit 11 resumes the personal computer (step ST10), then emits an alarm sound from the speaker 14 by the buzzer circuit 12 (step ST11), and notifies the surroundings of the occurrence of theft.

The power switch and the speaker volume are masked at the time of the auto-suspend and are in a state where operation is impossible (step ST7). Release (step ST1)
8) No alarm sound can be extinguished.

In addition, in the present invention, in addition to the external security functions such as the above-mentioned warning to guards and the warning by a speaker, I / O functions generally realized by menu setting are provided.
An internal security function called O-lock can also be realized by monitoring the security signal.

That is, the I / O lock unit 5 receives the interruption of the security signal (step ST8), and resumes (step ST10), and the I / O controller 13
The access to each I / O block is set to be invalid by the register inside (step ST12). As a result, I / O
Since the lock occurs and the I / O access of the personal computer becomes impossible (step ST13), the RS-232C, the infrared communication, the printer, the FD, and the like become unusable. Data is protected.

Here, the I / O lock is released (step S
T18) To input password (step ST15)
Release the security function setting (step ST1).
7) It is necessary to input a wrong password to try to release the I / O lock (step ST1).
5), the warning message continues to be displayed (step S)
T16).

While the manager is returning home (while not at work)
If the security signal is not interrupted (stolen) (step ST8), the PC is resumed by operating the resume switch 15 (step ST14) and the password is input (step ST14) in order to use the personal computer again at the company. By releasing the security function setting in step ST15), the personal computer can be used normally (step ST19).

In the personal computer with a built-in security function, the connection sense circuit 3 can be realized by a program. That is, in a personal computer with a built-in security function for preventing theft and unauthorized use, a first instruction signal for sounding a speaker connected to the personal computer according to a detection signal for detecting that a security signal cable for reporting an abnormality to the outside is cut off An I / O lock program for transmitting a second instruction signal for inhibiting data input / output between the peripheral device connected to the personal computer and the personal computer according to the detection signal; The above security function is realized by executing a security processing program including an alarm canceling program for canceling the first and second instruction signals in accordance with the specific condition on the personal computer.

Here, the security processing program is stored in a recording medium such as an FD, and is loaded into a personal computer when setting a security function. Alternatively, the data may be stored in the personal computer using a nonvolatile memory.

[0034]

As described above in detail, according to the personal computer with a built-in security function of the present invention, the personal computer which is easy to carry such as a laptop or a notebook used in a company or the like can be used even after returning home. Prevent theft and protect your internal data in case of theft.

The reason is that since a personal computer is provided with a security interface and a circuit for monitoring the signal, if a third party interrupts the signal in any way, the event is detected and generated, and the occurrence of theft is detected. This is because it is possible to warn the host (mainly a guard in a company, etc.) and the surroundings, and at the same time, protect the internal data by a commonly used I / O lock by monitoring the security signal.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the operation of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the present invention (continued).

FIG. 4 is an explanatory view showing a conventional example.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 1 personal computer with built-in security function 2 main circuit 3 connection sense circuit 4 event notification unit 5 I / O lock unit 6 security interface 7 security signal dedicated cable 8 host machine 9 peripheral device 10 I / O interface 11 power supply control circuit 12 buzzer circuit 13 I / O controller 14 Speaker 15 Resume switch

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A personal computer with a built-in security function for preventing theft and unauthorized use. When a security signal cable for reporting an abnormality to the outside is cut off, an alarm sound is output from a speaker connected to the personal computer, and A personal computer with a built-in security function, which prohibits data input / output between a peripheral device connected to the personal computer and the personal computer. 2. The security function-equipped personal computer according to claim 1, wherein the security interface for connecting the security signal cable to the personal computer has a function of detecting that the security signal cable is cut off. PC with built-in function. 3. The personal computer with a built-in security function according to claim 1, wherein a security signal cable for reporting an abnormality to the outside, a security interface for connecting the security signal cable and detecting that the security signal cable is cut off, and the security interface. Detects that the security signal cable is cut off, instructs the speaker connected to the personal computer to output an alarm sound, and prohibits the input / output of data between the peripheral device connected to the personal computer and the personal computer. A personal computer with a built-in security function, comprising: 4. The personal computer with a built-in security function according to claim 3, wherein the connection sense circuit sends an instruction signal for sounding a speaker connected to the personal computer in response to a report from the security interface; A personal computer with a built-in security function, comprising: a peripheral device connected to the personal computer in accordance with a report from a security interface; and an I / O lock unit for transmitting an instruction signal for prohibiting data input / output between the personal computer. 5. A personal computer with a built-in security function for preventing theft and unauthorized use, wherein a speaker connected to the personal computer sounds in accordance with a detection signal for detecting that a security signal cable for reporting an abnormality to the outside has been cut off. An I / O lock program for transmitting a second instruction signal for prohibiting data input / output between the peripheral device connected to the personal computer and the personal computer in accordance with the detection signal; A recording medium storing a security processing program, comprising: an alarm canceling program for canceling the first and second instruction signals in accordance with a specific condition set in advance.