Method and apparatus for password protection of a computer
US5091939A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 22, 1990 |
| Grant date | Feb 25, 1992 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 22, 2010 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG07C9/33
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method and apparatus for password protecting a personal, laptop or single user computer. The user's password entry is compared to the value of a secondary password retained by the computer as well as the value of the user's stored primary password. The user may thus access the computer when his primary password is corrupted or forgotten by obtaining an alternate password from the computer manufacturer which matches the secondary password generated or stored by the computer. The operation of the method and the organization of the apparatus make the secondary and alternate passwords valid for a limited time, thereby preserving the overall integrity of the password protection system. The primary, secondary and alternate passwords may be encrypted for added security.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.