CertiGuide to Security+  9  Chapter 3:  Infrastructure Security (Domain 3.0; 20%)       9  3.2  Media            9  3.2.4  Removable Media

3.2.4.4  Diskettes 1 2 3 3.2.4.6  Smartcards

Smart Media

In contrast to CF, which contains both memory and the controller used to access it, the smaller Smart Media cards contain only the memory, laminated onto a plastic card. Because the controller used to access the memory sits outside the card itself, there are occasionally compatibility problems between newer SM cards and older SM devices like digital cameras. While for some time, CF and SD media sizes ran neck-to-neck currently CF cards provide larger storage capacities.

This in combination with SM’s less durable construction (it is a very thin card) makes CF a more attractive option when using a device that supports both.

It is anticipated that Smart Media is gradually being replaced by the new XD-Picture Card technology, which allows storage of up to 8 GB in a card the size of a postage stamp. This is interesting from a security point of view because of the sheer volume of information that can be carried around (or out of an environment) very unobtrusively.

Memory Stick is a Sony technology. MS slots are built into many Sony cameras and desktop/notebook computers. This makes MS technology sometimes more convenient than other types since an adapter is often not required as long as you stay within the Sony brand family. Of course, any time you exchange with non-Sony technology, an adapter probably will be required. A newer version, called the Memory Stick Duo, is smaller than the original Memory Stick.

While most Memory Sticks sold are of the generic type, there is also a hard-to-find copyright-protected Memory Stick available, which protects the contents from illegal copying.

Secure Digital and Multi Media Cards are closely related. Most devices that support one also support the other (although there are some devices which are compatible only with one or the other; check the device specs for the final word). SD, currently popular in Pocket PC’s, is an evolution of the original MMC. The word “Secure” conjures up images of built-in encryption, passwords and other great security features, but alas, it refers to compatibility with the Secure Digital Music Initiative specifications, which allows the copyright owner to specify if the data can be transferred, and if so, how many times. So, the primary security benefit available from these cards is that of creating software or data repositories that can be used anywhere, but not “pirated” for use in multiple locations at once.³¹⁵

3.2.4.4  Diskettes 1 2 3 3.2.4.6  Smartcards