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Forum Index : Microcontroller and PC projects : CMM2 PIN Security

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PhenixRising
Guru

Joined: 07/11/2023
Location: United Kingdom
Posts: 1362
Posted: 10:06am 12 Sep 2024
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  Quote  PIN Security
Sometimes it is important to keep the data and program confidential. In the Colour Maximite 2 this can be
done by using the OPTION PIN command. This command will set a pin number (which is stored in non
volatile memory) and whenever MMBasic returns to the command prompt (for whatever reason) the user at the
console will be prompted to enter the PIN number. Without the correct PIN the user cannot get to the
command prompt and their only option is to enter the correct PIN or reboot the computer. When it is rebooted
the user will still need the correct PIN to access the command prompt.
Because an intruder cannot reach the command prompt they cannot list or copy the program held in the
program memory, they cannot change the program or change any aspect of MMBasic. Once set the PIN can
only be removed by providing the correct PIN as set in the first place. If the number is lost the only method of
recovery is to reset MMBasic as described below (which will erase the program).
Note that this is not a complete protection as it is possible to connect a debugger to the ARM Cortex-M7 CPU
and access all areas of memory using that facility but it does deter casual access.


But the SD card (source code) can be removed and read on a PC though?
 
Mixtel90

Guru

Joined: 05/10/2019
Location: United Kingdom
Posts: 7878
Posted: 12:47pm 12 Sep 2024
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Nothing is 100% secure.

If you want the source code to be secure take the SD card away and lock it in a safe - the data on it isn't encrypted in any way.
Mick

Zilog Inside! nascom.info for Nascom & Gemini
Preliminary MMBasic docs & my PCB designs
 
PhenixRising
Guru

Joined: 07/11/2023
Location: United Kingdom
Posts: 1362
Posted: 01:02pm 12 Sep 2024
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  Mixtel90 said  Nothing is 100% secure.

If you want the source code to be secure take the SD card away and lock it in a safe - the data on it isn't encrypted in any way.


Yeah, I only just realised that the active program remains in flash. Note to self, this bedtime...RTFM  
 
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