Method for the secure remote flashing of a BIOS memory
US6009524A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 29, 1997 |
| Grant date | Dec 28, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 29, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F2211/008
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An improved system and method for FLASH BIOS upgrades which is particularly useful in network hubs. Each hub or node which is equipped with a FLASH memory is also equipped with a validation system, which ensures that a received FLASH upgrade is authorized and uncorrupted. Each set of instructions to be flashed is marked both with a vendor authorization digital signature and also a system administrator authorization digital signature, and BOTH digital signatures must be recognized by the validation system before the FLASH memory will be upgraded. Because digital signatures are used for security purposes, flash upgrades can be performed from any location on the network, and are not limited to an administrative node.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.