US 2010/0162373 A1 · MANAGEMENT OF HARDWARE PASSWORDS

Abstract

In the context of computer systems, the generation of preboot passwords at a server instead of at a client. Preferably, preboot passwords generated at the server are distributed to the client, and a process is offered whereby a user can establish his/her own proxy, not known to the server, that can be used to release the stored passwords to the client hardware. Since the passwords are generated at the server, management of the passwords is greatly facilitated since they are generated at the site where they are stored. This also makes it easy to implement management features such as a group policy, since the password generation software will be able to make logical connections between users and hardware.

Claims24

Dependent claims

A method comprising:

providing a main memory in communication with the physical computing device;
providing a vault memory in communication with the physical computing device, the vault memory being secure with respect to the main memory;
storing a preboot password at the vault memory;
and
responsive to user input, unlocking the vault memory to release the preboot password.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Management of hardware passwords

Life of this patent

Management of hardware passwords

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims24