Secure firmware updates
US9218178B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 29, 2012 |
| Grant date | Dec 22, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 2, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F21/572
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A firmware update system is described that collectively handles secure firmware updates for hardware resources in a defined and consistent manner. The firmware update system may be configured to manage at least some firmware updates in a pre-boot environment (e.g., before an operating system is loaded). By doing so, the firmware update system exercises control over the updates and reduce entry points exposed to attackers. In one approach, update states are defined for hardware resources that are managed by the firmware update system. In a pre-boot environment, the update states for the managed hardware resources are set to enable firmware updates. The firmware update system may then detect and apply firmware updates available for the managed hardware resources. Update states may be set to disable before loading the operating so that firmware updates for managed resources are disabled outside of the secure pre-boot environment.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.