Hardware-based computer theft deterrence

US8522043B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Microsoft Corporation · US

Inventors

• James Duffus · Seattle, US
• Curt A. Steeb · Redmond, US
• Thomas G. Phillips · Bellevue, US
• Jeffrey Alan Herold · Kirkland, US
• William Poole
• William J. Westerinen · Issaquah, US
• Martin H. Hall · Sammamish, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 21, 2007
• Grant date: Aug 27, 2013
• Expiry date: Apr 16, 2031

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G06F21/88
• WIPO field: Control
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A hardware-based security module is used to protect an electronic device, especially a portable electronic device. The security module may determine either via timeout of a watchdog timer or via an explicit message to encrypt selected data on the electronic device. In addition, the electronic device may enter a limited function mode that only allows display of simplistic messages and supports network traffic with a recovery service. The recovery service may be able to use the network traffic to locate the electronic device. The security module may include a secure memory, a cryptographic function, a timer, and support for direct display of data on a monitor.