Philips self-destructing MRAM on the way

Joining the ranks of quintessential kit that any spy (or CuteCircuit-equipped individual) should have on hand is Philips' self-destructing MRAM (magnetoresistive RAM). While securing data typically deals with some sort of password protection or biometrics, Philips' creation takes a page from the Mission: Impossible book by relying on magnetic loops remaining in flux to keep data accessible. Its MRAM chips are wrapped in two layers of soft, metallic foil -- one which is magnetized, and one that acts as a "keeper" by gathering flux from a permanent magnet and maintaining a closed loop surrounding the precious bytes. If a crazed data thief manages to crack open the enclosure and rip into the first layer of foil, all flux breaks loose and magnetic forces immediately raze any top secret files you may have been toting. If you just can't afford to spill those oh-so-privatized digital beans (or you simply enjoy that double agent lifestyle), keep an eye out for the presumably hush-hush release -- assuming, that is, this invention makes it from the patent stage into actual hardware.

[Via New Scientist Tech]

[disciple83 @ Sep 25th 2006 5:44PM]

screw that, when are they gonna put MRAM in a PC so power consumption will go down, an speeds up? Can you imagine the potential speeds of a solid-state HDD made from MRAM?

[ROBOGAMERX @ Sep 25th 2006 5:56PM]

this invention ranks up there with the wheel,in terms of its importance in human evolution.

[jason @ Sep 25th 2006 6:08PM]

will it have a flux capacitor and operate on the positronic confabulator effect

[Dan @ Sep 25th 2006 8:17PM]

Wait, so if somthing tries to get into it, the RAM physically destroys itself? Meaning, you'd have to replace it, or at least it's barrier? Sorry if I just don't get it.

[Devin @ Sep 25th 2006 8:25PM]

So that's what Jack Bauer used that one time

[Josh Warner @ Sep 25th 2006 8:46PM]

Somebody at Sony is going to read this and say "I want a new proprietary format that self destructs so the imbecilic sheep (er, consumers) have to buy their media again EVERY TIME they play it!! MWAAHAHAHAAHAAA!"

Sad part is, that's realistic - not sarcastic. Self destructing media: the xxAA's wet dream.

[Rusty @ Sep 25th 2006 9:26PM]

Good morning Mr. Phelps.......
The ringback fibulator wasn't connected to the knutzenvalve.......

This tape will self destruct in 5 seconds....good
luck Jim.

[david cleckley @ Sep 25th 2006 10:27PM]

Who needs MRAM that self-destructs when your laptop battery will surely take care of that for you?

[James @ Sep 26th 2006 11:47AM]

I once read a website where the owner's laptop was mounted on a spring-loaded catapult. If the Feds ever came to bust down his door, he'd activate the catapult and fling the laptop out the window to smash onto the concrete.

[ROBOGAMERX @ Sep 25th 2006 10:50PM]

you are right josh,thats exactly what the inventors intended.
and those sheep will throw their hard earned money at it as fast as they can.and not even notice how they are being taken advantage of.

have you ever seen one of those retarded dogs that always chase their own tail?

that is how most(nearly all)people look to me.

[tc @ Sep 26th 2006 2:53AM]

I bet this is what Jack Bauer used in Season 5 to blow up that flash memory chip.

[Trent @ Sep 26th 2006 5:24PM]

This invention could be used to completely stop reverse engineering, including mod chips, console hacking, any consumer device alteration and in fact prevent even the opening of a multitude of devices. This is a quite devious invention and I wouldn't be supprised to see it used almost immediately to stop people from opening consumer electronic devices to hack them.

[ROBOGAMERX @ Sep 26th 2006 10:49PM]

to trent:
we, as consumers have rights,if i buy it i should be able to do whatever i want to it.and if companys get away with these kinds of tactics.it will prove that people are too stupid to care about their own rights.
i for one wont allow my hard earned money to be exploited like that,i wont buy it.and i hope noone else does.then what would the makers do to.
who knows what can happen.but i do know this,
"a fool and his money are soon parted"

and im no fool