White Paper Request
Abstract: When things go missing, specifically electronic or electronically
controlled equipment, the best way to prevent their unauthorized use is to render
them unusable. In some cases this is a simple task, as is the case with cell phones;
in other cases this can be next to impossible. In some circumstances the consequences
of the loss or inappropriate use are of little concern, other times the consequences
are enormous. This paper addresses the latter.
Introduction
As we all know, the world can be a dangerous place. Electronic or electronically controlled assets or equipment that are important to us personally, to our company, or to our country sometimes go missing. In some cases, equipment is simply misplaced; often, however it is not. Recent events have shown us that there are individuals who will stop at nothing for personal gain, and others just seek to do harm – to others, to groups, to companies, or to countries or ideologies. It is in the best interest of all to be able to thwart the efforts of these individuals.
From a different perspective, sometimes, we know where the equipment is, we just want to make sure that no one can use it without our knowledge, let alone, inappropriately. Sometimes the consequence of the unauthorized use of equipment is small and may be little more than an inconvenience. Other times the consequences can or could be enormous, perhaps even life threatening or life altering.
Whatever the case may be, the best way to address these situations is to have the capability to control the equipment when we are not around. To render it inoperable, unusable, should it go missing.
This white paper will discuss issues surrounding this objective and introduces solutions, from both generic and specific perspectives.
Operational Objectives
With regard to equipment or assets that are either wholly electronic, or electronically controlled, and have gone missing, the primary operational objective is to prevent unauthorized or inappropriate use. Reasons for doing so may include:
• Protection of Intellectual Property
• Prevention of the reverse-engineering of asset software or design
• Unauthorized use of the asset could cause damage
• Unauthorized access to the data or engineering of the asset could cause harm or death
• Unauthorized use or access could result in criminal or civil penalties
• You do not want other people using your stuff
The asset may be a laptop with personal or medical information stored in it, a device that permits access to a restricted area, or an in-the-field control unit for a military unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). Whatever the case, some things you just don’t want to be used inappropriately by unauthorized individuals.
The preceeding is the opening paragraphs of the white paper. To obtain the complete
document in a pdf format, we request that you fill out the form below and the document will
be sent to you shortly.
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