Abstract
Cameras in portable devices are currently enabled or disabled by mechanical or software-based shutters. However, mechanical shutters can be unreliable and they add bulk to the device. Software-based shutters can be vulnerable to security breaches. This disclosure describes an electronic shutter for a camera where the electrical communication and/or power supply to the image sensor is controlled by a root-of-trust (RoT) module. A host device requests the RoT to enable or disable the camera. To authenticate the request, the host sends a private key, which the RoT uses to verify the authenticity of the request. If the RoT successfully authenticates the request, access to the camera is modified - the camera is enabled or disabled - per the request. The implementations provide assurance to users that they assert complete and secure control over cameras within their device ecosystem and eliminate the need for hardware such as mechanical shutters which are impractical for some form factors.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Recommended Citation
Klug, Kevin; Rink, Jett; and Hendin, Neil, "Secure Camera via Power Supply Control Based on a Root of Trust", Technical Disclosure Commons, (August 19, 2025)
https://www.tdcommons.org/dpubs_series/8481