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Real Life CSI
Crime scene investigators use WORM for immediate access to securely stored data
By Samuel Yu
SanDisk
THE SYSTEM EXPLAINED
The SD WORM memory system contains a combination of a proprietary ASIC controller, non-volatile memory, and a system firmware to tie the two together. The resulting memory system provides users with a portable digital media that instantly write-protects data as it is being written, preserves the data for up to 100 years (based on accelerated lifespan testing for cards stored at normal room temperature, with humidity and static protection), and can be easily read in most standard SD cameras.
The SD WORM-compatible camera plays a crucial role in writing images safely and accurately to the SD WORM memory card. Standard digital cameras use a FAT file system, and upon seeing a FAT-based card (like an SD WORM card), will assume that it can read, write, re-write and erase files on the card as needed. SD WORM cards are designed to prohibit any attempts to edit or erase the data written to the card, and therefore cannot be operated by standard digital camera models. SD WORM-compatible cameras are designed specifically to support the FAT file system in methods compatible with WORM functions, such as not allowing data modifications.
SD WORM cards are designed to power up in read only memory (ROM) mode, ensuring it’s read compatible with any standard SD host. When the card is inserted into a WORM-compatible camera, the camera and card go through an authenticating handshake. Upon authentication, the card recognizes that the camera supports the SD WORM file system, and will allow the camera to unlock the card and begin the writing process.
Combining the SD WORM card and SD WORM-compatible camera results in a WORM system that can meet the CSI photographers need for mobility, compliance, long-term preservation, data integrity and ease of use.
BEYOND CSI
Capturing and preserving photographic evidence is a very natural application of the SD WORM memory technology. SD WORM cards can even capture audio and video for evidence, but let’s not stop there. What about medical imaging devices, or scanners to archive and preserve valuable financial and legal documents? The list is growing. Quite simply, SD WORM storage technology, pioneered by SanDisk Corporation, provides any imaging system with the ability to easily archive crucial data in a tamper-proof way. AI
Samuel Yu is Product Marketing Manager, SanDisk Corp. in Milpitas, Calif.
