Computer host hardware anti-theft method

Abstract

The present application relates to the field of computer technology, and discloses a computer host hardware anti-theft method, which can reawaken the host to monitor and self-check the hardware status even when the computer is turned off, preventing guests from manipulating the monitoring software to perform illegal operations, thereby effectively protecting the hardware security. The method includes: when a remote server receives a first notification, it configures a first image for a first computer host, the first image includes a self-check program, the remote server wakes up the first computer host and provides the first image, the first image is loaded after the first computer host is powered on, the first computer host automatically runs the self-check program after loading the first image to detect whether there is any hardware missing, and sends the detection result to the remote server, the remote server configures a second image for the first computer host, for the first computer host to load after the next power-on.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of computer technology, and in particular to a method for preventing the hardware of a computer host from being stolen. Background Art

[0002] This section is intended to provide a background or context for the embodiments of the present application as stated in the claims. The contents in this section are for reference only and do not constitute an admission or confirmation that they are prior art that has been disclosed.

[0003] In e-sports hotels, due to the frequent changes of guests, computer hosts placed in different rooms face a high risk of hardware theft, especially when the computer is turned off, guests may steal hardware components such as memory and graphics cards. When the next guest checks in and starts the computer, although a power-on self-test can be performed, this will cause time delays and uncertainties. Existing hardware anti-theft technologies mainly rely on software monitoring to prevent theft by detecting hardware status in real time. These monitoring methods include hardware monitoring software (such as HWiNFO, AIDA64, etc.), remote management tools (such as TeamViewer, VNC, etc.), and custom scripts (regularly detecting hardware configuration and generating reports). These technologies can record the hardware configuration of each computer host, regularly or in real time detect the hardware status, and trigger an alarm when the hardware is found to be replaced or missing. This method has the advantages of real-time, accuracy, and automation. Through software monitoring, the status of the computer host can be monitored in real time to avoid unnecessary delays, and the loss of hardware can be accurately identified, thereby improving the security of the computer host and reducing the burden on hotel staff.

[0004] However, the existing technology has significant defects. First, traditional software monitoring solutions cannot monitor and self-check the hardware status after the computer host is turned off. Second, since the computer host is controlled by the guest, the monitoring software can be easily turned off by the guest, and continuous hardware status monitoring and protection cannot be achieved. Third, when the monitoring software is turned off, the alarm cannot be issued in time, leaving the hardware security of the computer host unsupervised, increasing the risk of theft. In addition, these solutions rely on the cooperation and honesty of the guests. Guests may deliberately turn off the monitoring software to perform illegal operations, thereby increasing the risk of hardware theft. Finally, traditional software monitoring solutions may be deficient in the storage and analysis of monitoring data, and cannot effectively track and analyze historical hardware status, making it difficult to discover potential safety hazards. Summary of the invention

[0005] The purpose of this application is to provide a computer host hardware anti-theft method, which can reawaken the host to monitor and self-check the hardware status even when the computer is turned off, preventing guests from manipulating the monitoring software to perform illegal operations, thereby effectively protecting the hardware security.

[0006] The present application discloses a computer host hardware anti-theft method, comprising:

[0007] When the remote server receives the first notification, it configures a first image for the first computer host, wherein the first image includes a self-checking program;

[0008] The remote server wakes up the first computer host and provides the first image, the first image is loaded by the first computer host after it is powered on, and the first computer host automatically runs the self-test program after loading the first image to detect whether there is any hardware missing, and sends the detection result to the remote server;

[0009] The remote server configures a second image for the first computer host, so that the first computer host can be loaded after it is powered on next time.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, it also includes:

[0011] The configuration and scheduling of the first image and the second image are controlled by an image management system, and the image management system automatically selects a corresponding image to load onto the first computer host.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, it also includes:

[0013] In response to the first notification, the image management system automatically configures and instructs the first computer host to load the first image after powering on, wherein the first image is an immutable image;

[0014] The first computer host automatically runs the self-check program to detect whether there is any hardware missing;

[0015] After the self-check program is completed, a shutdown command is issued to shut down the first computer host.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, it also includes:

[0017] In response to the self-test completion signal sent by the self-test program, the image management system automatically switches the startup configuration of the first computer host from the first image to the second image, so that the first computer host can load the second image after being powered on next time.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, it also includes:

[0019] The remote server sends the detection result to a remote host management system.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, it also includes:

[0021] The remote server establishes a connection with the remote host management system through an API interface.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, it also includes:

[0023] In response to the second notification, the image management system automatically switches the startup configuration of the first computer host from the first image to the second image, so that the first computer host loads the second image after being powered on next time.

[0024] In a preferred example, the first notification is a hotel check-out notification, and the second notification is a hotel check-in notification.

[0025] The present application also discloses a computer-readable storage medium, in which computer-executable instructions are stored. When the computer-executable instructions are executed by a processor, the steps in the method described above are implemented.

[0026] The present application also discloses a computer program product, comprising computer executable instructions, which can implement the steps in the method described above when executed by a processor.

[0027] In the implementation manner of the present application, a remote server is used for control, and the first image is automatically configured after receiving the first notification, and the first computer host can be awakened even when it is turned off, so that it loads the self-check image to monitor the hardware status. This operation reduces manual intervention and improves the accuracy of the operation. The self-check image includes a self-check program, which can detect hardware problems in time, and can also feed back the results to the remote server in real time after the detection is completed, so that the hotel can obtain the hardware status in the room in time after the guest checks out. After completing the self-check, the second image is loaded when the first computer host is powered on next time, which can ensure the rapid recovery and normal operation of the system.

[0028] Furthermore, the image management system can significantly improve operational efficiency, reduce management complexity, and ensure system consistency and security by automatically selecting and loading the corresponding image;

[0029] Furthermore, by automatically configuring and loading the immutable first image, not only is it guaranteed that the system status cannot be tampered with during the self-check process, thereby increasing security, but it can also effectively detect hardware loss by automatically executing the self-check program. After the self-check is completed, the system can automatically shut down to reduce energy consumption and prevent further unauthorized operations. In addition, the detection results are automatically sent to the remote host management system through the API interface, which not only improves the transparency of operations, but also strengthens the collaboration between systems, allowing hotel management to obtain key information in real time and make quick decisions and responses.

[0030] Each technical feature disclosed in the above invention content, each technical feature disclosed in each implementation mode and example below, and each technical feature disclosed in the accompanying drawings can be freely combined with each other to form various new technical solutions (these technical solutions should be deemed to have been recorded in this specification), unless such combination of technical features is technically infeasible. For example, in one example, feature A+B+C is disclosed, and in another example, feature A+B+D+E is disclosed, and features C and D are equivalent technical means that play the same role. Technically, only one of them can be used, and it is impossible to use them at the same time. Feature E can be combined with feature C technically. Then, the solution of A+B+C+D should not be deemed to have been recorded because it is technically infeasible, while the solution of A+B+C+E should be deemed to have been recorded. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] Figure 1 It is a flowchart of a computer host hardware anti-theft method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0032] Figure 2 It is a flowchart of a computer host hardware anti-theft method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0033] Figure 3 It is a flowchart of a computer host hardware anti-theft method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0034] Figure 4 It is a workflow diagram of a computer host hardware anti-theft method according to an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] In the following description, many technical details are provided to help readers better understand the present application. However, those skilled in the art can understand that the technical solution claimed in the present application can be implemented even without these technical details and various changes and modifications based on the following embodiments.

[0036] Explanation of terminology:

[0037] As used in this article, "WOL" refers to Wake-on-LAN (Wake-up on LAN / Remote Wake-up), which is a network standard used to remotely wake up a computer that is connected to the network but in a low-power state (such as sleep or shutdown), so that the computer can be restored from sleep to operation, or from shutdown to boot.

[0038] As used herein, "computer host" refers specifically to a computer device with independent disk storage capabilities for performing various computing tasks and storing operating systems and other software applications. To clarify the scope of the present invention, it should be noted that "computer host" does not include diskless machines. Diskless machines are computers without their own hard drives, which rely on a server connected to a network to load the operating system and run the required software. The definitions and embodiments of the present application are specifically directed to computer hosts that include at least one internal storage drive that can independently store and retrieve data without relying on network boot or remote file systems.

[0039] As used in this article, "API" is the full name of Application Programming Interface in English and the full name of Application Programming Interface in Chinese. It refers to a set of predefined methods or protocols that enable remote servers to communicate and exchange data with other systems, applications or devices. It defines how different software applications or hardware can operate with each other, allowing them to send and receive data over the network, execute commands or access each other's services and resources.

[0040] As used in this article, "immutable image" refers to a system image in a fixed state. Once created, its content is not allowed to be modified or updated. It is used to ensure the consistency and security of the system. The immutable image includes the operating system, pre-configured applications, system settings and security configurations.

[0041] The following is a brief description of some innovative aspects of the implementation methods of this application:

[0042] 1. This application is managed uniformly through a remote server. Compared with traditional software monitoring solutions, it enhances the ability of centralized control and management. By using the remote server, it realizes functions such as remote startup of the computer host, dynamic switching of system images, detection of hardware status, and sending of alarms, thereby significantly improving management efficiency and system security.

[0043] 2. This application uses a customized hardware detection system image, which is tamper-proof to prevent guests from modifying or replacing it. This system image integrates comprehensive hardware detection and identification tools, which can accurately and comprehensively detect all hardware of the computer host, ensuring the security of the device.

[0044] 3. This application realizes a highly automated management function. Through instant communication with the remote host management system, it can automatically perform computer host monitoring, dynamic switching of system images, and instant reporting of hardware detection results. This automation reduces the workload of hotel staff and significantly improves the security of equipment and management efficiency.

[0045] In order to make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the present application clearer, the implementation methods of the present application will be further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0046] The first embodiment of the present application relates to a computer host hardware anti-theft method, the process of which is as follows: Figure 1 As shown, the method comprises the following steps:

[0047] In step S101, when the remote server receives the first notification, it configures a first image for the first computer host, where the first image includes a self-test program.

[0048] In step S102, the remote server wakes up the first computer host and provides a first image, which is loaded by the first computer host after it is powered on. After loading the first image, the first computer host automatically runs a self-test program to detect whether there is any hardware missing, and sends the test result to the remote server.

[0049] In step S103, the remote server configures the second image for the first computer host, so that the first computer host can be loaded when it is powered on next time.

[0050] In an optional embodiment, the remote server can be configured in a single or multiple physical locations, specifically for remote management and control of devices communicating with it. The server has processing and storage capabilities, can execute software applications and process data to support monitoring, data processing, system management and other related network services for connected computer hosts or other devices. The remote server can be a physical server or a virtual server, deployed in a public cloud, private cloud or hybrid cloud environment. The main functions of the remote server include but are not limited to: sending instructions to control and configure computer hosts, receiving and processing data from computer hosts, performing data analysis and maintenance updates, and providing API interfaces to communicate with other management systems such as remote host management systems. In addition, the remote server is responsible for implementing security measures to protect the security of data transmission and ensure that all management operations comply with predetermined security policies and compliance requirements.

[0051] In an optional embodiment, the configuration and scheduling of the first image and the second image are controlled by an image management system, and the image management system automatically selects the corresponding image to load onto the first computer host.

[0052] In an optional embodiment, the remote server wakes up the first computer host through WOL. WOL can automatically wake up the computer host at different times to perform system updates, security checks or other configuration tasks.

[0053] In an optional embodiment, if Figure 2 As shown, it may also include:

[0054] In step S201, in response to the first notification, the image management system automatically configures and instructs the first computer host to load the first image after powering on, and the first image is an immutable image;

[0055] In step S202, the first computer host automatically runs a self-checking program to detect whether there is any hardware missing;

[0056] In step S203, after the self-checking program is completed, a shutdown command is issued to shut down the first computer host.

[0057] In an optional embodiment, if Figure 2 As shown, it may also include:

[0058] In step S2021, in response to the self-test completion signal sent by the self-test program, the image management system automatically switches the startup configuration of the first computer host from the first image to the second image, so that the first computer host can load the second image after being powered on next time.

[0059] In an optional embodiment, if Figure 3 As shown, it may also include:

[0060] In step S1021, the remote server sends the detection result to the remote host management system.

[0061] In an optional embodiment, if Figure 3 As shown, it may also include:

[0062] In step S100, the remote server establishes a connection with the remote host management system through an API interface.

[0063] In an optional embodiment, the API interface can realize data communication and command transmission between the remote server and the remote host management system. For example, the remote server can send the results of the device self-test to the remote host management system through the API interface, or receive operation commands from the remote host management system, such as device startup or configuration change instructions. The API interface can support multiple data formats, such as JSON, XML, etc., to meet the needs of different systems. The specific implementation details of the API interface can be adjusted according to the actual application requirements. The API interface of this application not only covers the currently implemented interface types, but also includes interface technologies based on this principle that may be developed in the future.

[0064] In an optional embodiment, the remote host management system is a centralized computing platform for monitoring and controlling one or more hosts (such as personal computers, servers or other network devices) connected to the network. The system enables administrators to perform various management tasks remotely, including but not limited to system monitoring, data backup, software updates, hardware detection, and security management. The remote host management system can work across different operating systems and hardware configurations, providing a consistent management interface. Optionally, the remote host management system can be used as a hotel management system to manage various devices in the hotel, or as an Internet cafe management system to monitor and maintain the computer facilities of the Internet cafe. The remote host management system can support a variety of communication protocols and interfaces, and seamlessly integrate with various software and applications to adapt to different management environments and technical requirements.

[0065] In an optional embodiment, it may also include:

[0066] In response to the second notification, the image management system automatically switches the startup configuration of the first computer host from the first image to the second image, so that the first computer host can load the second image after being powered on next time.

[0067] In an optional embodiment, the first notification is a hotel check-out notification, and the second notification is a hotel check-in notification.

[0068] In order to better understand the technical solution of the present application, several specific examples are provided below for illustration. The details listed in the examples are mainly for ease of understanding and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present application.

[0069] Example 1

[0070] Figure 4 As shown in the workflow diagram of this embodiment, when the remote server receives the check-out notification (first notification) issued by the hotel management system (remote host management system), the image management system automatically configures the first computer host and instructs it to load the first image containing the self-test program. The first image is immutable to ensure that its content is not tampered with during use. Subsequently, the remote server wakes up the first computer host through the Wake-On-LAN technology, powers it on and loads the first image. Once the loading is completed, the first computer host automatically runs the self-test program to detect whether there is any hardware missing, and automatically issues a shutdown command after the self-test is completed, turning off the computer to wait for the next operation.

[0071] The self-test completion signal sent after the self-test program is completed is captured by the image management system. In response to this signal, the system automatically switches the startup configuration of the first computer host from the first image to the second image. This ensures that the second image will be loaded when the computer host is started next time, and this image is used for normal operation. At the same time, the remote server sends the self-test results to the hotel management system through the API interface to record and process relevant safety and maintenance information.

[0072] When the hotel management system sends a new check-in registration notification (second notification), ensure that the first computer host has been configured with the second image to provide an immediately available system environment for the new customer.

[0073] Example 2

[0074] The difference from the first embodiment is that the present embodiment can be applied to an Internet cafe environment, and the on-board and off-board notifications replace the hotel check-in and check-out notifications. The present embodiment can provide a powerful hardware theft prevention measure for the Internet cafe environment, especially for the hardware theft problem that may occur when guests log off the computer in the Internet cafe private room.

[0075] When the remote server receives the offline notification (first notification) issued by the Internet cafe management system (remote host management system), the image management system automatically configures the first computer host and instructs it to load the first image containing the self-test program. The first image is immutable to ensure that its content is not tampered with during use. If the computer host is not turned off at this time, the remote server can send a command to force the computer to restart. Forced restart can be achieved through network management commands, such as using Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP), Secure Shell (SSH) or other remote execution tools to send restart commands. When the first computer host completes the restart and is in the shutdown state, it can be awakened using WOL technology to load the first image for necessary operations. Once the loading is complete, the first computer host automatically runs the self-test program to detect whether there is any hardware missing, and automatically issues a shutdown command after the self-test is completed, turning off the computer to wait for the next step.

[0076] After the self-check procedure is completed, the self-check completion signal is captured by the image management system. In response to this signal, the system automatically switches the startup configuration of the first computer host from the first image to the second image. This ensures that the second image will be loaded when the computer host is started next time, and this image is used for normal operation. At the same time, the remote server sends the self-check results to the Internet cafe management system through the API interface to record and process relevant security and maintenance information.

[0077] When the Internet cafe management system sends a new computer registration notification (second notification), it ensures that the first computer host has been configured with the second image to provide an immediately available system environment for the new customer.

[0078] Accordingly, the embodiments of the present application also provide a computer-readable storage medium, in which computer executable instructions are stored, and when the computer executable instructions are executed by the processor, the various method embodiments of the present application are implemented. Computer-readable storage media include permanent and non-permanent, removable and non-removable media, and information storage can be implemented by any method or technology. Information can be a computer-readable instruction, a data structure, a module of a program, or other data. Examples of computer storage media include, but are not limited to, phase change memory (PRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), other types of random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or other memory technology, read-only compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), digital versatile disk (DVD) or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes, disk storage or other magnetic storage devices or any other non-transmission media that can be used to store information that can be accessed by a computing device. As defined herein, computer-readable storage media does not include temporary computer-readable media (transitory media), such as modulated data signals and carriers.

[0079] In addition, an embodiment of the present application further provides a computer program product, which includes computer executable instructions, and when the computer executable instructions are executed by a processor, the steps in the above-mentioned method embodiments are implemented.

[0080] It should be noted that, in the present application, relational terms such as first and second, etc. are only used to distinguish one entity or operation from another entity or operation, and do not necessarily require or imply that there is any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Moreover, the term "include", "comprise" or any other variant thereof is intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, so that the process, method, article or equipment including a series of elements includes not only those elements, but also includes other elements not explicitly listed, or also includes elements inherent to such process, method, article or equipment. In the absence of more restrictions, the elements defined by the sentence "include one" do not exclude the existence of other identical elements in the process, method, article or equipment including the elements. In the present application, if it is mentioned that a certain action is performed according to a certain element, it means at least the meaning of performing the action according to the element, which includes two situations: performing the action only according to the element and performing the action according to the element and other elements. Multiple, multiple, multiple, etc. expressions include 2, 2 times, 2 kinds and more than 2, more than 2 times, more than 2 kinds.

[0081] The serial numbers used in describing the steps of the method do not themselves constitute any limitation on the order of these steps. For example, the step with a larger serial number does not necessarily have to be executed after the step with a smaller serial number. The step with a larger serial number may be executed first and then the step with a smaller serial number. They may also be executed in parallel, as long as this execution order is reasonable for those skilled in the art. For another example, multiple steps with consecutive serial numbers (e.g., step 101, step 102, step 103, etc.) do not limit other steps that can be executed in between. For example, there may be other steps between step 101 and step 102.

[0082] This specification includes combinations of the various embodiments described herein. Individual references to embodiments (e.g., "one embodiment" or "some embodiments" or "preferred embodiments"); however, these embodiments are not mutually exclusive unless indicated as mutually exclusive or it is clear to a person skilled in the art that they are mutually exclusive. It should be noted that the word "or" is used in this specification in a non-exclusive sense unless the context clearly indicates or requires otherwise.

[0083] All documents mentioned in this specification are considered to be included in the disclosure of this application as a whole, so that they can be used as a basis for modification when necessary. In addition, it should be understood that the above is only a preferred embodiment of this specification and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this specification. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of one or more embodiments of this specification should be included in the scope of protection of one or more embodiments of this specification.

[0084] In some cases, the actions or steps described in the claims may be performed in a different order than in the embodiments and still achieve the desired results. In addition, the processes depicted in the drawings do not necessarily require the specific order or sequential order shown to achieve the desired results. In some embodiments, multitasking and parallel processing are also possible or may be advantageous.

Claims

1. A computer host hardware anti-theft method, characterized in that: include: When the remote server receives the first notification, it configures a first image for the first computer host, wherein the first image includes a self-checking program; The remote server wakes up the first computer host and provides the first image, the first image is loaded by the first computer host after it is powered on, and the first computer host automatically runs the self-test program after loading the first image to detect whether there is any hardware missing, and sends the detection result to the remote server; The remote server configures a second image for the first computer host, so that the first computer host can be loaded after it is powered on next time; The configuration and scheduling of the first image and the second image are controlled by an image management system, and the image management system automatically selects a corresponding image and loads it onto the first computer host; In response to the first notification, the image management system automatically configures and instructs the first computer host to load the first image after powering on, wherein the first image is an immutable image; The first computer host automatically runs the self-check program to detect whether there is any hardware missing; After the self-check program is completed, a shutdown command is issued to shut down the first computer host.

2. The computer host hardware anti-theft method according to claim 1, characterized in that: Also includes: The remote server sends the detection result to a remote host management system.

3. The computer host hardware anti-theft method according to claim 2, characterized in that: Also includes: The remote server establishes a connection with the remote host management system through an API interface.

4. A computer host hardware anti-theft method, characterized in that: include: When the remote server receives the first notification, it configures a first image for the first computer host, wherein the first image includes a self-checking program; The remote server wakes up the first computer host and provides the first image, the first image is loaded by the first computer host after it is powered on, and the first computer host automatically runs the self-test program after loading the first image to detect whether there is any hardware missing, and sends the detection result to the remote server; The remote server configures a second image for the first computer host, so that the first computer host can be loaded after it is powered on next time; The configuration and scheduling of the first image and the second image are controlled by an image management system, and the image management system automatically selects a corresponding image and loads it onto the first computer host; In response to the self-test completion signal sent by the self-test program, the image management system automatically switches the startup configuration of the first computer host from the first image to the second image, so that the first computer host can load the second image after being powered on next time.

5. A computer host hardware anti-theft method, characterized in that: include: When the remote server receives the first notification, it configures a first image for the first computer host, wherein the first image includes a self-checking program; The remote server wakes up the first computer host and provides the first image, the first image is loaded by the first computer host after it is powered on, and the first computer host automatically runs the self-test program after loading the first image to detect whether there is any hardware missing, and sends the detection result to the remote server; The remote server configures a second image for the first computer host, so that the first computer host can be loaded after it is powered on next time; The configuration and scheduling of the first image and the second image are controlled by an image management system, and the image management system automatically selects a corresponding image and loads it onto the first computer host; In response to the second notification, the image management system automatically switches the startup configuration of the first computer host from the first image to the second image, so that the first computer host loads the second image after being powered on next time.

6. The computer host hardware anti-theft method according to claim 5, characterized in that: The first notification is a hotel check-out notification, and the second notification is a hotel check-in notification.

7. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that: The computer-readable storage medium stores computer-executable instructions, and when the computer-executable instructions are executed by a processor, the steps in the method according to any one of claims 1 to 6 are implemented.

8. A computer program product comprising computer executable instructions, characterized in that: When the computer executable instructions are executed by a processor, the steps in the method described in any one of claims 1 to 6 are implemented.

Images