Securing the contents of data storage devices within a computer
US8245026B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 12, 2010 |
| Grant date | Aug 14, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 30, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F2221/2147
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Each data storage device that supports the standard security features and is enabled with a security password may be locked when power is removed from the device. When power is returned, a determination is made as to whether the data storage device is locked and returning from a powered off state or a hardware reset. If locked, a password may be received from a user. After the security password is received, the data storage device is unlocked, allowing access to the data on the device. A setup utility is provided for manipulating the security and backup passwords for each device. Other features include: presenting locked devices to the operating system, the use of a backup password to unlock a device in lieu of the security password, requiring or not requiring password entry from a user to unlock a device when returning from a sleep state, setting maximum or high security, an automatic hardware reset upon exiting the setup utility, and disabling change password capabilities for devices without an enabled security password.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.