Secure platform management device

• US 20090187655A1
• Filed: 01/21/2009
• Published: 07/23/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 01/22/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Absolute Software Corporation
• Original Assignee: Phoenix Technologies Limited (Pharaoh Acquisition LLC)
• Inventors: Banga, Gaurav
• Granted Patent: US 8,307,055 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 709/224
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 21/32 using biometric data, e.g. fingerprints, iris scans or voiceprints
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 21/34 involving the use of external additional devices, e.g. dongles or smart cards
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 21/88 Detecting or preventing theft or loss
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2221/2111 Location-sensitive, e.g. geographical location, GPS

Abstract

A platform management device configured to control the functionality of a provisioned electronic device is disclosed. The platform management device includes a processor operative to execute commands. A memory maintains a series of instructions that when executed by the processor, causes the processor to: (1) establish a connection with a corresponding electronic device; and (2) transfer operating parameters to the corresponding electronic device, such that access to and operation of the electronic device may be controlled. Examples of device control include denying access to an unauthorized user and forcing the electronic device into a disabled state by remote operation from an authorized user.

Claims

1. A platform management device, comprising:

a processor; and

a memory coupled to the processor, the memory maintaining instructions that when executed by the processor, cause the processor to;

establish a connection with a corresponding electronic device,

transfer operating parameters to the corresponding electronic device, such that access to and operation of the electronic device is controlled.

2. The platform management device of claim 1, further including a biometric reader operative to authenticate a user.

3. The platform management device of claim 2, further including an audio device operative to provide an audible warning when the user is not authenticated.

4. The platform management device of claim 2, further including a visual indicator operative to provide a visual warning when the user is not authenticated.

5. The platform management device of claim 1, wherein the operating parameters transferred to the corresponding electronic device includes a disable command, wherein firmware of the electronic device causes the electronic device to be placed in a disabled state.

6. The platform management device of claim 5, wherein the disabled state includes one of the group consisting of:

standby, low power, keyboard disable and monitor disable.

7. The platform management device of claim 1, wherein the instructions when executed by the processor further causes the processor to transmit a disable signal when the distance from a provisioned electronic device exceeds a predetermined threshold value.