Data processing system and method for password protecting a boot device
US7814532B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 2, 2001 |
| Grant date | Oct 12, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 27, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F21/575
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A data processing system and method of password protecting the boot of a data processing system are disclosed. According to the method, in response to an attempt to boot the data processing system utilizing a boot device, the boot device is interrogated for a password. If the boot device supplies password information corresponding to that of a trusted boot device, the data processing system boots utilizing the boot device. If, however, the boot device does not supply password information corresponding to that of a trusted boot device, booting from the boot device is inhibited. In a preferred embodiment, the password information comprises a unique combination of the boot device's manufacturer-supplied model and serial numbers.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.