Methods, systems and computer program products for secure firmware updates
US7069452B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 12, 2000 |
| Grant date | Jun 27, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 1, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F21/572
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Methods, systems and computer program products which provide secure updates of firmware (i.e. data stored in a programmable memory device of a processing system) are disclosed. Updates of a programmable memory of a device may be controlled by providing an update window of finite duration during which the programmable memory may be updated. Access to the programmable memory may be based on the state of an access latch. The access latch may be set to allow access after a hardware reset of the device. An update control program may be executed to control access to the programmable memory and the latch reset to prevent access upon completion of the update control program. Verification of the update may be provided through encryption techniques and rules incorporated in certificates for application of updates to provide for selectively updating devices. Also disclosed are methods of securely providing differing functionality to generic devices.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.