Managing firmware update attempts
US8601170B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 8, 2009 |
| Grant date | Dec 3, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 3, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F2221/033
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Attempts to update confirmation information or firmware for a hardware device can be monitored using a secure counter that is configured to monotonically adjust a current value of the secure counter for each update or update attempt. The value of the counter can be determined every time the validity of the firmware is confirmed, and this value can be stored to a secure location. At subsequent times, such as during a boot process, the actual value of the counter can be determined and compared with the expected value. If the values do not match, such that the firmware may be in an unexpected state, an action can be taken, such as to prevent access to, or isolate, the hardware until such time as the firmware can be validated or updated to an expected state.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.