Pre-boot authentication system
US7000249B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | May 18, 2001 |
| Grant date | Feb 14, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 22, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F21/575
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Systems are provided for the enhancement of the system BIOS for microprocessor-based devices. Before the end of a BIOS start-up procedure, the BIOS operation is diverted to a BIOS security authentication system which may be a portion of an enhanced system BIOS. The BIOS security authentication system establishes communication with an information module, if the information module is present. The information module is typically a removable or installable card, which may be unique to one or more users. Based upon an information exchange between the security authentication module and the information module, the security authentication module controllably allows or prevents the system BIOS start-up procedure to resume and finish. In a preferred embodiment, the security authentication module is used as a pre-boot authentication system, to prevent a microprocessor-based device from booting up, unless a valid authorized information module is present. In other preferred embodiments, an adaptive security authentication module interface is provided, to allow information exchange with a variety of information modules having one or more information formats. In alternate embodiments, information…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.