Preboot protection of unauthorized use of programs and data with a card reader interface
US5327497A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 4, 1992 |
| Grant date | Jul 5, 1994 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 4, 2012 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F2221/2143
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A secure computer controlling access to internal devices via an integrated card reader. A microprocessor-controlled card reader interface logically connected to the CPU of the computer reads and writes information from and to a card placed in the card reader and performs additional functions in response to commands received from the CPU. The boot ROM of the computer is programmed to start execution from a program logic device which runs a verification program to verify the authenticity of a user. Upon a valid user card being placed in the card reader, one or more questions are read from the card and displayed to the user. The user's responses are saved and compared to the correct answers stored on the card, and if the responses match the correct answers, a power control circuit is used by the CPU to turn on power to computer peripherals the user has been authorized to use. The system additionally provides for a method of initializing and authorizing a user card with a security administrator card. Upon a valid security administrator card being placed in the card reader, a security administrator initializes and authorizes one or more individual user cards by selecting from a list of …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.