Security switch

Abstract

System and method for securing a personal device that includes a device core and a peripheral device from unauthorized access or operation. The system comprises an isolated switch, included fully or partially within an envelope of the personal device. The isolated switch cannot be affected in its operation by either the device core or the peripheral device. The switch may be operated by an authorized user of the personal device either preemptively or in response to a detected threat. In some embodiments, the isolated switch includes an isolated controller which can send one or more signals to the peripheral device and/or part of peripheral device. In some embodiments, the isolated switch includes an isolated internal component and an isolated external component, both required to work together to trigger the isolated switch operation. In some embodiments, the isolated switch includes an isolated disconnector for connecting and disconnecting the device core from part of the peripheral device.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A system for securing a personal device that includes a device core and a peripheral device from unauthorized access or operation, comprising an internal isolated switch having operating functions that cannot be affected by either the personal device core or by the peripheral device, wherein the isolated switch includes an isolated controller configured to modify or change a behavior or operation of the peripheral device and configured to provide a secure lock mode for the personal device. 
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the modification or change in the operation of the peripheral device includes modification or change in peripheral device reception and transmission of data. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the isolated controller is further configured to send a notification that the personal device is in the secure lock mode. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the isolated controller is further configured to provide an indication that the personal device is in the secure lock mode. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the personal device has an envelope or surface, and wherein the isolated switch includes an internal component located within the envelope or at least partially on the surface of the personal device and an external component that is external to the personal device. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 5 , wherein the external component includes a memory with secure code for authenticating the external component. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 5 , wherein the external component is operable to trigger an exit of the personal device from the secure lock mode. 
     
     
         8 . A system for securing a personal device that includes a device core and at least one peripheral device from unauthorized access or operation, comprising an internal isolated switch having operating functions that cannot be affected by either the personal device core or by the at least one peripheral device, wherein the internal isolated switch includes a timer operative to trigger an operation or a change of state of the isolated switch. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 8 , wherein the operation or change of state includes the triggering of a secure lock mode. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 8 , wherein the personal device has an envelope or surface, and wherein the isolated switch includes an internal component located within the envelope or at least partially on the surface of the personal device and an external component that is external to the personal device. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the external component includes a memory with secure code for authenticating the external component. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the external component is operable to trigger an exit of the personal device from a secure lock mode. 
     
     
         13 . A method for securing a personal device that includes a device core and a peripheral device from unauthorized access or operation, comprising the steps of:
 a) providing an internal isolated switch having operating functions that cannot be affected by either the personal device core or the peripheral device, wherein the isolated switch includes an internal component located within the envelope or at least partially on the surface of the personal device; and   b) operating the internal component to provide a secure lock mode for the personal device.   
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the step of operating the internal component includes entering a secure user input into the internal component to trigger the secure lock mode. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the internal component includes a timer and wherein the step of operating the internal component includes using the timer to trigger the secure lock mode. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the step of operating the internal component includes entering a secure user input into the internal component to trigger an exit of the personal device from the secure lock mode. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the isolated switch further includes an external component that is external to the personal device, the method further comprising the step of using the external component to trigger an exit of the personal device from the secure lock mode. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17 , further comprising the step of authenticating the external component before the exit is triggered. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 13 , further comprising the step of using the internal component to send a notification that the personal device is in the secure lock mode. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 13 , further comprising the step of using the internal component to provide an indication that the personal device is in the secure lock mode.