Initiating device authentiation mode

Abstract

In some examples, the disclosure describes a device that includes instructions that cause a processor to: activate the device, that includes a stored default password, at an unsecured access mode, receive a selection for an authentication mode of the device, and initiate one of a plurality of authentication modes for the device in response to the selection and an identified condition of the device. In these examples, the plurality of authentication modes include a first authentication mode that activates the stored default password and a second authentication mode that deactivates the stored default password.

Description

86343539 1 / 25INITIATING DEVICE AUTHENTIATION MODEBackground

[0001] An electronic device can include authentication mechanisms to authenticate a user of the electronic device. The electronic device can utilize the authentication mechanism to ensure that authenticated users are allowed to utilize the device, and unauthenticated users are prevented from utilizing the device.Brief Description of the Drawings

[0002] Figure 1 illustrates an example of a flow diagram for selection of authentication modes for a device.

[0003] Figure 2 an example of a flow diagram for selection of a user flipped authentication mode for a device.

[0004] Figure 3 an example of a flow diagram for selection of a standby state for a device.

[0005] Figure 4 illustrates an example of a device for selection of authentication modes for a device.

[0006] Figure 5 illustrates an example of a memory resource for selection of authentication modes for a device.

[0007] Figure 6 illustrates an example of a method for selection of authentication modes for a device.Detailed Description

[0008] A user may utilize a computing device for various purposes, such as for business and / or recreational use. As used herein, the term “computing device” refers to an electronic system having a processor resource (e.g., processor, etc.) and a memory resource. Examples of computing devices can include, for instance, a laptop computer, a notebook computer, a desktop computer, networking device (e.g., router, switch, etc.), conference phone, and / or a mobile device (e.g., a smart phone,86343539 2 / 25 tablet, personal digital assistant, smart glasses, a wrist-worn device, etc.), among other types of computing devices.

[0009] Electronic devices such as computing devices, printing devices, or other types of devices can be activated in an unsecured access mode during an initial activation of the electronic device. For example, a printing device can be activated after purchase from a manufacturer or retailer and enter an unsecured access mode that allows a purchaser to configure the printing device. In some examples, the unsecured access mode can include or be part of an out of box experience (OOBE) that can allow a user to go through a process for initial set up and configuration of the electronic device. In some examples, the initial set up and configuration can include, but is not limited to: configuration and installation of instructions to a memory resource of the electronic device, network configuration and installation, driver configuration and installation, and / or calibration of the electronic device.

[0010] In some examples, electronic devices can be purchased by different types of users that can utilize the electronic device in different ways. In some examples, a first type of user can initialize an unsecured access mode (e.g., OOBE, etc.) to configure the electronic device for personal use. In addition, a second type of user can initialize the unsecured access mode to configure the electronic device for an enterprise environment. An enterprise environment can be utilized for a different user or utilized for a plurality of different users. For example, the second type of user can be an administrator that is setting up a printing device for an office environment.

[0011] In the previous embodiments, the first type of user can purchase a first electronic device that utilizes a first OOBE to enable the first type of user to configure the first electronic device for personal use. In these previous embodiments, the second type of user can purchase a second electronic device that utilizes a second OOBE to enable the second type of user to configure the second electronic device for an enterprise environment. Providing two types of OOBE for the same type of electronic device can include providing a first Stock Keeping Unit (SKU) for the first electronic device and a second SKU for the second electronic device. This can increase a cost to the manufacturer and potentially cause end user difficulties if the incorrect electronic device is provided to the incorrect type of user.

[0012] The present disclosure relates to selection of authentication modes for a device. That is, the present disclosure enables a single device with a single SKU to86343539 3 / 25 enter a plurality of different OOBE and / or enter a plurality of different authentication modes for the device in response to received instructions. In this way, the first type of user can enter a first OOBE or a first authentication mode to configure the electronic device for personal use and the second type of user can enter a second OOBE or second authentication mode to configure the electronic device for an enterprise environment.

[0013] For example, the electronic device can be provided to either the first type of user or the second type of user. In this example, the first type of user can execute the electronic device to enter a user flipped mode where a password (e.g., stored default password, etc.) is established for the electronic device. The password may be based on or correspond to a password label included with the device. The user flipped mode refers to a state of the device when the initiates a stored default password for the device. That is, the device transitions to the user flipped mode when the stored default password is established as the administrator password for the device. Prior to the user flipped mode, the device may not have an established administrator password or an established user defined password (e.g., unsecured access mode, etc.). In this example, the second type of user can execute the electronic device to enter a standby state where the electronic device remains in the unsecured access mode until a subsequent use where the second type of user can access the electronic device without a password to configure the electronic device (e.g., without setting a user password, etc.). In some examples, the second type of user can access the device through a remote connection (e.g., network connection, etc.) or can access the device through a direct connection (e.g., universal serial bus (USB), etc.). In this way, the same electronic device can be provided to a plurality of different types of users and enable different authentication modes based on user preference.

[0014] Figure 1 illustrates an example of a flow diagram 100 for selection of authentication modes for a device. The flow diagram 100 can illustrate how an electronic device can be transitioned between an unsecured access mode 102, a user password mode 106 and a transition state 104 that includes a user flipped mode 108 and a factory fixed mode 110. As described herein, the present disclosure allows a single device to be initiated into a plurality of different authentication modes or OOBEs based on received selections.86343539 4 / 25

[0015] In some examples, the unsecured access mode 102 can refer to a state of the electronic device that is not protected by a password. In these examples, the device can include a stored default password that is not currently activated. In this way, the device is “unsecured” by a password to confirm authentication of a user of the device. The unsecured access mode 102 can be an initial state of an electronic device to allow a purchaser of the device to configure the device. That is, the unsecured access mode 102 can enable a user to configure settings of the device, install instructions to memory resources, update drivers, establish network connections, and / or perform other functions to enable the device to work in a particular way defined by the user.

[0016] In some examples, the unsecured access mode 102 can transition to a factory fixed mode 110 through a method 116. The factory fixed mode refers to a state ... The method 116 or other methods in these examples may be understood and implemented as a condition or trigger to incur transition between modes. The method 116 can refer to an execution of a processor of the electronic device in response instructions that are executed upon initializing the electronic device and / or when the electronic device enters the unsecured access mode 102. For example, the method 116 can be initiated to the factory fixed mode 110 when a manufacturer applies a factory fixed password for the electronic device. In these examples, the factory fixed mode 110 can transition to a user password mode 106 through a method 126. The method 126 can be a method that is executed to change the factory fixed password of the factory fixed mode 110 to a user defined password. The password can be changed from the factory fixed password of the factory fixed mode 110 to the user defined password of the user password mode 106 in a plurality of different ways.

[0017] In other examples, the unsecured access mode 102 can transition to a user flipped mode 108 through a method 112. As described above, the user flipped mode 108 refers to a state of the device when the stored default password is established as an administrator password for the device. As described herein, the stored default password of the device is not established or utilized in the unsecured access mode 102. Thus, the user flipped mode 108 refers to a state of the device when the stored default password is being activated or established as the administrator password for the device. In some examples, the method 112 can include receiving selections at a processor of the electronic device to instruct the86343539 5 / 25 device to enter the user flipped mode 108. In some examples, the method 112 can include determining a status or condition of the electronic device when the selections are received. For example, the method 112 can include a determination of a condition of a network connection when receiving an instruction to enter the user flipped mode 108. In this example, the electronic device can be allowed to transition to the user flipped mode 108 when the network connection is established and prevented from a transition to the user flipped mode 108 when the network connection is disconnected.

[0018] In these examples, the userflipped mode 108 can include a mode where an administrator password is preset. For example, the administrator password may correspond to a password label that is included within the packaging of the device such as, but not limited to: a password sticker coupled to the device, a serial number coupled to the device, a password included within materials provided with the electronic device, or other ways the password can be provided to the user or purchaser of the device. In some examples, the electronic device can generate a request for unique identifiers associated with the electronic device during the user flipped mode 108. For example, the electronic device may generate a request for a serial number, unique password provided with the electronic device, or other unique information to establish the administrator password during the user flipped mode 108.

[0019] The user flipped mode 108 can be transitioned to the user password mode 106 through a method 122. The method 122 can allow a user to select a personal password that is unique to the user. In some examples, the method 122 can allow a user to replace the administrator password defined by a password sticker of the device to a selected password by the user. In other examples, the method 122 can allow a user to select a personal password or a user password and allow the administrator password to remain. In this way, the administrator password may still be utilized to prevent individual users from performing particular functions designated for an administrator. In other examples, the method 122 can include altering the administrator password to a user defined administrator password.

[0020] As described herein, the user flipped mode 108 may be utilized by a first type of user that may be configuring the electronic device for personal use or for use primarily by the individual configuring the electronic device. However, the user flipped mode 108 may be detrimental for an administrator that is attempting to86343539 6 / 25 include the device in an enterprise setup. For example, the administrator may want to initiate the unsecured access mode 102 to perform system tests, change some configuration settings, and / or perform other functions to set up the electronic device. In this example, the administrator may not want to enter the user flipped mode 108 or the factory fixed mode 110 since this may establish an administrative password that would have to be utilized in a subsequent initialization process. Thus, in these examples, the administrator can perform a method to remain within the unsecured access mode 102 after configuring the electronic device.

[0021] In some examples, the administrator can initiate a standby state to allow an initial configuration of the electronic device and remain in the unsecured access mode 102 for a subsequent use of the electronic device. In one example, the electronic device can initiate the standby state when the administrator selects a standby state at the electronic device and a network connection is in a particular state. For example, the administrator can initiate a standby state when the network connection is disconnected, and the administrator selects the standby state through a user interface of the electronic device.

[0022] In these examples, the electronic device can be shut down and provided to an end user or location where the electronic device is to be utilized by end users. In these examples, the electronic device can be activated and accessed by the administrator. In some examples, the administrator can access the electronic device through an established connection such as, but not limited to: a remote connection, a network connection, a wireless connection, a wired connection, a USB connection, among other types of connections. The connection can be established without an administrator password since the electronic device remains in the unsecured access mode 102. In these examples, the electronic device can transition from the unsecured access mode 102 to the user password mode 106 through a method 118. The method 118 can include establishing the connection of the electronic device with a device (e.g., remote device, etc.) and a user defined password can be established by the administrator or user of the device that is connected to the electronic device.

[0023] In some examples, the electronic device can be reset to factory settings or reset to a particular mode within the flow diagram 100. For example, the user flipped mode 108 can be transitioned back to the unsecured access mode 102 through a method 114. In some examples, a selection can be made by a user, or an86343539 7 / 25 instruction can be received by the device that the device is to be set to factory settings or set to the unsecured access mode 102. In these examples, the user flipped mode 108 can revert from the administrator password (e.g., provided by the password label or other unique identifier of the device) to the unsecured access mode 102. This can allow the device to initiate in the unsecured access mode 102 or OOBE and proceed to other modes of the flow diagram 100.

[0024] In other examples, the electronic device can be in the user password mode 106 and receive an indication for a factory reset. The factory reset refers to an operation to restore the system to its original state (e.g., as the system was when it left the manufacturer, etc.). This operation can remove user-installed applications, files, and settings, returning the computer to its default settings with the original operating system and software pre-installed by the manufacturer. In these examples, the user password mode 106 can transition to the unsecured access mode 102 by method 120 or transition to the factory fixed mode 110 by method 124. In some examples, the method 120 can be executed in response to receiving a factory reset or other instruction to reset the electronic device when the user password mode 106 was initiated by method 118. That is, the electronic device can execute method 120 when the method 118 was utilized to transition the electronic device from the unsecured access mode 102 to the user password mode 106.

[0025] In other examples, the method 124 can be executed or initiated when the method 126 was utilized to transition the electronic device from the factory fixed mode 110 to the user password mode 106. In this way, the factory reset brings the device back to the factory fixed mode 110 without allowing the device to transition back to the unsecured access mode 102.

[0026] Figure 2 an example of a flow diagram 230 for selection of a user flipped authentication mode for a device. In some examples, the flow diagram 230 can illustrate a timeline of events for initializing an electronic device. In some examples, the flow diagram 230 can illustrate an OOBE for an electronic device. In some specific examples, the electronic device is a printing device or other type of electronic device that can include computing resources.

[0027] In some examples, the flow diagram 230 can include step 231 where the customer or user of the electronic device unboxes the electronic device from a manufacturer or retailer. Unboxing the electronic device can include removing the86343539 8 / 25 packaging or a portion of the packaging in order to set up the electronic device for initial use.

[0028] In some examples, the flow diagram 230 can include step 232 where the customer can plug in a network device and / or an electrical device. For example, the step 232 can include connecting a local area network (LAN) port of the electronic device to an operating LAN port and connecting a power supply of the electronic device to an electrical outlet. Although a LAN port is described herein, other types of wired or wireless network connections can also be utilized.

[0029] In some examples, the flow diagram 230 can include step 233 where the electronic device can display a set of selections. In some examples, the device can display a set of limited settings for the device that can be selected by a user to establish particular settings for the device. For example, the electronic device can display a selection for a user to select a language and a country or region of the user.

[0030] In some examples, the flow diagram 230 can include step 234 where the electronic device can display network settings, and the device can receive a selection to proceed or continue through a user interface of the electronic device. This selection can be an indication that the device is to initiate a user flipped mode. For example, the network connection condition of connected and a selection to continue with the configuration process can be an indication that the device is to be transferred from the unsecured access mode (e.g., unsecured access mode 102 as referenced in Figure 1 , etc.) to a user flipped mode (e.g., user flipped mode 108 as referenced in Figure 1 , etc.).

[0031] In some examples, the flow diagram 230 can include step 235 where the electronic device applies a password as an administrator password. In some examples, the password is sticker password. As described herein, the sticker password can be a password or unique identifier that is coupled to the electronic device that can be utilized as a default password when the device is transferred from the unsecured access mode to the user flipped mode.

[0032] In some examples, the flow diagram 230 can include step 236 where the electronic device can display instructions for configuring the electronic device. In some examples, the device can display various optional settings that can be selected by a user to enable optional settings for the device. For example, the electronic device can display information and selections for sharing analytical data,86343539 9 / 25 firmware update policies, product setup selections, among other configuration settings depending on the type of the electronic device.

[0033] In some examples, the flow diagram 230 can include step 237 where the electronic device can provide instructions to install drivers, software, and / or other instructions based on the selected configuration settings. In some examples, the device can then enter a home page or a default state to be utilized.

[0034] Figure 3 an example of a flow diagram 340 for selection of a standby state for a device. In some examples, the flow diagram 340 can illustrate a timeline of events for initializing an electronic device. In some examples, the flow diagram 340 can illustrate an OOBE for an electronic device. In some specific examples, the electronic device is a printing device or other type of electronic device that can include computing resources. In some examples, the flow diagram 340 illustrates an initiation of a standby state for the electronic device to allow an administrator to perform a portion of the configuration or testing while the device remains in an unsecured access mode (e.g., unsecured access mode 102 as referenced in Figure 1 , etc.).

[0035] In some examples, the flow diagram 340 can include step 341 where the customer or user of the electronic device unboxes the electronic device from a manufacturer or retailer. Unboxing the electronic device can include removing the packaging or a portion of the packaging in order to set up the electronic device for initial use.

[0036] In some examples, the flow diagram 340 can include step 342 where the customer plugs in the electrical device. As described herein, the customer may refrain from plugging in or connecting the electrical device to a network. For example, the step 342 can include not connecting or disconnecting a local area network (LAN) port of the electronic device to an operating LAN port. While the network connection is disconnected, the customer can connect a power supply of the electronic device to an electrical outlet. Although a LAN port is described herein, other types of wired or wireless network connections can also be utilized. In these other examples, the cable can be disconnected, or a selection can be made to prevent the electrical device from activating a wireless connection device.

[0037] In some examples, the flow diagram 340 can include step 343 where the electronic device can display a set of selections. In some examples, the device can display limited settings for the device. For example, the electronic device can86343539 10 / 25 display a selection for a user to select a language and a country or region of the user.

[0038] In some examples, the flow diagram 340 can include step 344 where the electronic device can display options indicating that the device will not be set up. In these examples, the device can display network connection methods or network connection options. The user can be instructed to select an option to connect at a later time to prevent a network connection of the device. This selection can be an indication that the device is to initiate a standby state . For example, the network connection condition of connected and a selection to continue to a home page without setting an administrator password for the electronic device.

[0039] As described herein, the standby state can allow the device to be shut down and enter an unsecured access mode in a subsequent power on. In this way, the administrator of the electronic device can perform some configuration and / or system tests without having to select an administrator password. In addition, the administrator is able to subsequently power on the electronic device with a connection without having to provide an administrative password and complete the configuration of the device.

[0040] In some examples, the flow diagram 340 can include step 345 where the device can enter a home page or a default state to be utilized. As described herein, the administrator can utilize the home page to perform a plurality of tests on the electronic device and / or configure the device. In some examples, the electronic device can be shut down and sent to an end user or to a location to be utilized.

[0041] In some examples, the flow diagram 340 can include step 346 where the administrator can establish a connection session with the electronic device when the electronic device is powered on. As described herein, the administrator password was not previously established, and the electronic device reenters the unsecured access mode. In this way, the administrator is able to establish a user password for the electronic device during the connection session. For example, the administrator can establish the connection to transition the electronic device from the unsecured access mode to the user password mode during the connection session.

[0042] Figure 4 illustrates an example of a device 450 for selection of authentication modes for a device. In some examples, the device 450 can include a processor resource 454 (e.g., processor, central processing unit (CPU), etc.) communicatively coupled to a memory resource 456. As described further herein,86343539 11 / 25 the memory resource 456 can include instructions 458, 460, 462, that can be executed by the processor resource 454 to perform particular functions. In some examples, the device 450 can be associated with an image forming device, a user interface device (e.g., display, touch screen, etc.) and / or communication device. In some examples, the device 450 can be part of an image forming device including a multi-function image forming device.

[0043] As described herein, the device 450 can be a multi-function image forming device that is capable of performing a plurality of different types of jobs. For example, a multi-function image forming device can perform print jobs, scan jobs, fax jobs, and / or different functions that can be performed using job data (e.g., print job data, scan job data, fax job data, image data, etc.).

[0044] The device 450 can include a user interface device that is communicatively coupled to the device 450 by a communication path. In some examples, the user interface device can be a display device, such as a monitor, which can be utilized to display images such as, but not limited to a user interface. In these examples, the user interface can be a displayed set of images and / or selectable inputs to allow a user to interact with the device 450. That is, the user interface device can be a touchscreen that displays images of a user interface that can be selected by a user utilizing the touchscreen.

[0045] The device 450 can include components such as a processor resource 454. As used herein, the processor resource 454 can include, but is not limited to: a central processing unit (CPU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a metal-programmable cell array (MPCA), a semiconductor-based microprocessor, or other combination of circuitry and / or logic to orchestrate execution of instructions 458, 460, 462. In other examples, the device 450 can include instructions 458, 460, 462, stored on a machine-readable medium (e.g., memory resource 456, non-transitory computer-readable medium, etc.) and executable by a processor resource 454. In a specific example, the device 450 utilizes a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions 458, 460, 462, that, when executed, cause the processor resource 454 to perform corresponding functions.

[0046] In some examples, the device 450 can include instructions 458 to activate the device, that includes a stored default password, at an unsecured access mode. As described herein, the unsecured access mode may not have an activated86343539 12 / 25 administrator password and / or a user defined password. In these examples, the stored default password can be stored and activated when the device transitions to the user flipped mode.

[0047] In some examples, the unsecured access mode is initiated at startup with factory settings. As described herein, the unsecured access mode can be a mode such as an OOBE mode when the electronic device is removed from the manufacturers or retailer’s package for an initial use of the electronic device. In a specific example, the unsecured access mode can be a mode the device utilizes during a first activation.

[0048] In some examples, the device 450 can include instructions 460 to receive a selection for an authentication mode of the device. As described herein, the selection can be a selection received by a user interface. The selection can include selections to continue to configure the device 450 to transition the device 450 to the user flipped mode. In other examples, the selection can include a selection within the user interface to configure the device 450 at a later time. Although specific selections are described, the device 450 can utilize other selections within the user interface to initiate the different authentication modes.

[0049] In some examples, the device 450 can include instructions 462 to initiate one of a plurality of authentication modes for the device in response to the selection and an identified condition of the device. In these examples, the plurality of authentication modes include a first authentication mode that activates the stored default password and a second authentication mode that deactivates the stored default password. As described further herein, the first authentication mode can be a user flipped mode and the second authentication mode can be the standby state.

[0050] In some examples, instructions can be provided to make particular selections in the unsecured access mode to initiate one of the user flipped mode or the standby state. For example, the instructions to initiate the user flipped mode can include establishing a network connection for the electronic device and make a selection to continue to configure the electronic device. This combination can be utilized to determine that the electronic device is to initiate the user flipped mode. In a similar way, the instructions to initiate the standby state can include an instruction to disconnect a network connection and make a selection to continue configuration later. This combination can initiate the electronic device to initiate the standby state86343539 13 / 25 and remain in the unsecured access mode such that an administrator password is not selected.

[0051] In some examples, the device 450 can include instructions to initiate one of a plurality of authentication modes for the device based on the condition of the network connection and the selection. As described herein, based on the combination of selections and the network connection condition can be utilized to initiate one of the plurality of authentication modes.

[0052] In some examples, the plurality of authentication modes includes a user flipped mode where a password is established for the device (e.g., based on a password label included with the device), a user defined password mode where a user password is established for the device, and a standby state where the device remains in the unsecured access mode until a subsequent use.

[0053] In some examples, the standby state enables a device to change the unsecured access mode to the user defined password mode. As described herein, the standby state allows a user (e.g., administrator, etc.) to activate the electronic device and enter a home page (e.g., user interface, etc.) to perform tests and / or perform some configuration of the electronic device. In these examples, the user can shut down the electronic device and save the configuration settings made using the home page or user interface of the electronic device. The device can be subsequentially activated or powered on. During this subsequent activation, the electronic device can be connected to a session through a network connection with a computing device of the administrator and the administrator can initiate a user password mode of the electronic device. That is, the administrator can perform a configuration of the electronic device, set administrative password, and / or perform other testing of the electronic device.

[0054] In some examples, the device is enabled to define an administrative password for the device without an existing password for the device. As described herein, the device of the administrator can be utilized to access the device via a connection without having to provide a password since an administrative or user password was not implemented during the initial operation. In this way, the administrator does not need to set an initial administrative password for the device, which can lead to technical issues due to human error or other issues.

[0055] In some examples, the device 450 can include instructions to determine a condition of a network connection with the device. As used herein, the86343539 14 / 25 condition of the network connection can be a connected condition or a disconnected condition. A connected condition can include a state when the electronic device is connected through a physical network connection. For example, the connected condition can refer to a state when the electronic device is connected to a LAN through an Ethernet or other cable. In other examples, the connected condition can refer to a state of the electronic device when the electronic device is connected to a wireless network through WIFI or other type of wireless network connection.

[0056] In some examples, the disconnected condition can be a state of the electronic device when the electronic device is not connected to a LAN or other type of network. For example, the disconnected condition can be a state of the electronic device when the electronic device is not connected to a LAN network port through an Ethernet cable or other type of physical connection. In other examples, the disconnected condition can be a state when the electronic device is not connected to a wireless network. For example, the disconnected condition can be when the WIFI of the electronic device is disabled or when the electronic device is not connected to a network through a WIFI connection.

[0057] In some examples, the device 450 can include instructions to determine that the condition of the network connection is disconnected prior to approving the standby state from the plurality of authentication modes. As described herein, the combination of the selections and condition of the network connection can be utilized to determine whether to initiate a particular authentication mode. Thus, in some examples, the device 450 may not initiate the standby state when the condition of the network connection is connected. In a similar way, the device 450 may not initiate the user flipped mode when the network connection is disconnected. In this way, the authentication mode is less likely to be incorrectly initiated by a user.

[0058] In some examples, the device 450 can include instructions to enable the user flipped mode when the condition of the network connection is connected and the selection for the authentication mode is a user flipped mode. As described herein, the device 450 can enable the user flipped mode and establish an administrator password based on a password label or other type of unique identifier included with the device 450. In some examples, this can allow the user to establish the administrator password to a default administrator and then alter the settings to include a user password or an updated administrator password.86343539 15 / 25

[0059] Figure 5 illustrates an example of a memory resource 546 for selection of authentication modes for a device. In some examples, the memory resource 546 can be a part of a computing device or controller that can be communicatively coupled to a computing system and / or an image forming device. For example, the memory resource 546 can be part of a device 450 as referenced in Figure 4. In some examples, the memory resource 546 can be communicatively coupled to a processor resource 554 (e.g., processor, CPU, etc.) that can execute instructions 572, 574, 576, stored on the memory resource 546. For example, the memory resource 546 can be communicatively coupled to the processor resource 554 through a communication path 570. In some examples, a communication path 570 can include a wired or wireless connection that can allow communication between devices and / or components within a single device.

[0060] The memory resource 546 may be an electronic, magnetic, optical, or other physical storage device that stores executable instructions. Thus, a non- transitory machine readable medium (MRM) (e.g., a memory resource 546) may be, for example, a non-transitory MRM comprising Random-Access Memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), an Electrically-Erasable Programmable ROM (EEPROM), a storage drive, an optical disc, and the like. The non-transitory machine readable medium (e.g., a memory resource 546) may be disposed within a controller and / or computing device. In this example, the executable instructions 572, 574, 576, can be “installed” on the device. Additionally, and / or alternatively, the non-transitory machine readable medium (e.g., a memory resource 546) can be a portable, external or remote storage medium, for example, that allows a computing system to download the instructions 572, 574, 576, from the portable / external / remote storage medium. In this situation, the executable instructions may be part of an “installation package”. As described herein, the non-transitory machine readable medium (e.g., a memory resource 546) can be encoded with executable instructions for selecting authentication modes for a device.

[0061] The instructions 572, when executed by a processor such as the processor resource 554, can include instructions to initiate an initial startup in an unsecured access mode for a device that includes a stored default password. The initial startup refers to a startup of the device or system from the factory or after a factory reset has been performed. As used herein, the initial startup operation can be a first startup operation from the manufacturer, the retailer, or a user. In some86343539 16 / 25 examples, the initial startup can refer to an OOBE that can be initiated after a factory reset of the device. The factory reset refers to an operation to restore the device or system to its original state The initial startup can be utilized to allow an owner to set up and configure the device. In some examples, the unsecured access mode is a state of the device when the device does not include an active administrator password or user password. In some examples, the initial startup may not include some instructions, drivers, or other features to allow the device to function without configuration settings being selected.

[0062] In some examples, the memory resource 546 can include instructions to receive a selection of an authentication mode for the device. As described herein, the standby state is a mode that allows an initial configuration or an initial usage of a user interface or home page of the device without establishing an administrator password or user password. In some examples, the selection of the standby state can be a selection to configure the device at a later time or a selection to skip a configuration process.

[0063] The instructions 574, when executed by a processor such as the processor resource 554, can include instructions to initiate a user flipped mode to establish the stored default password as an administrator password in response to the selection and an indication of a first condition of the device. As described herein, the user flipped mode can establish the stored default password as an administrator password such that the user can identify the administrator password from a sticker or label associated with the device. In this way, a user that has physical access to the device can utilize the stored default password as the administrator password.

[0064] The instructions 576, when executed by a processor such as the processor resource 554, can include instructions to initiate a standby state such that the device remains in the unsecured access mode for a subsequent use of the device in response to the selection and an indication of a second condition of the device. In some examples, the standby state is only initiated when the condition of the network connection with the device is disconnected. As described herein, the standby state may only be initiated when the combination of the network connection is disconnected, and the standby state is selected. In this way, the standby state is not initiated if this combination is not executed.

[0065] The memory resource 546 can include instructions to receive a settings change from a device to alter an administrator password during the subsequent86343539 17 / 25 startup of the device. As described herein, the subsequent use (e.g., subsequent startup, etc.) of the device can be a startup of the device after an initial test or portion of a configuration has been performed on the device. In previous systems, the subsequent startup would require a password to be utilized for the device to configure the device and / or alter the administrator password of the device.

[0066] In some examples, the memory resource 456 can include instructions to disable a password from a password label in response to initiating the standby state. In some examples, the standby state can disable the password from the password label that would be utilized if the device initiated the user flipped mode of the device. In these examples, the password from the password label is not utilized when the standby state is initiated.

[0067] In some examples, the memory resource 456 can include instructions to reset the administrator password to a blank password in response to a factory reset of the device. As described herein, a factory reset can restore the device to a set of factory settings or to the device’s original state from the factory. In some embodiments, the factory reset can restore the device to the unsecured access mode when a user password or administrator password is established through the standby state. In other examples, the factory reset can restore the device to a user flipped mode when the user password or administrator password is established through the user flipped mode.

[0068] In some examples, the memory resource 546 can include instructions to determine a condition of a network connection with the device is disconnected. As described herein, determining the condition of the network connection can include determining a connection between the device and a network. In some examples, the condition of the network connection can include a state of a physical connection and / or a state of wireless connections. For example, the disconnected stat of the network connection refers to a physical network cable is disconnected from the device, a wireless connector is disabled, or other settings are used to prevent a network connection from being established.

[0069] Figure 6 illustrates an example of a method 680 for selection of authentication modes for a device. The method 680 can be performed by processing logic that can include hardware (e.g., processing device, circuitry, dedicated logic, programmable logic, microcode, hardware of a device, integrated circuit, etc.), instructions run or executed by a processing device, or a combination thereof. In86343539 18 / 25 some examples, the method 680 is performed by the device 450 as referenced in Figure 4. Although shown in a particular sequence or order, unless otherwise specified, the order of the processes can be modified.

[0070] At step 682, the method 680 can include activating an initial startup in an unsecured access mode during a power-up operation of a device that includes a stored default password. As described herein, the power-up operation can be an activation of the device to initiate an initial startup of the device. The initial startup can be a startup or power-up operation that is performed with a new device, or a factory reset device. The initial startup can be utilized by a user to configure the device with particular configuration settings.

[0071] At step 684, the method 680 can include displaying instructions for entering a standby state and a user flipped mode for the device. As described herein, the unsecured access mode can include a user interface to provide selections to configure the device with particular settings. In these examples, a user interface of the device or screen of the device can display the selections and / or instructions for configuring the device. The instructions for entering the standby state and the user flipped mode for the device can enable a user to make correct selections to either initiate the standby state or the user flipped mode.

[0072] In some examples, the instructions to enter or initiate the standby state can include instructions to disconnect a network connection of the device and make a selection to configure the system at a later time. In these examples, the instructions to enter or initiate the user flipped mode can include instructions to connect the network connection or establish a network connection with a local area network or other type of network and select to continue with the configuration of the device.

[0073] In some examples, the method 680 can include receiving a selection of the standby state. The selection of the standby state can be a user selection in response to the instructions to enter the standby state. In other examples, there might be a selection tab to select that the standby state is to be initiated. In other examples, the selection of the standby state can be selected through a selection to delay or postpone a configuration of the device.

[0074] At step 686, the method 680 can include initiating the standby state without the stored default password as an administrator password in response to identifying a condition of the device when receiving the selection. In some examples,86343539 19 / 25 the method 680 includes preventing the user flipped mode in response to initiating the standby state. In these examples, preventing the user flipped mode includes preventing a password on a password label included with the device from being utilized by the device.

[0075] In some examples, the method 680 can include enabling a startup menu in response to initiating the standby state to allow device setting changes for the device prior to receiving the password setting change to generate the administrator password. As described herein, the standby state can be utilized to access a user interface of the device such that a user can perform tests and / or make settings changes within the user interface without having to establish an administrator password and / or user password for the device.

[0076] At step 688, the method 680 can include preventing the standby state when the condition of the device is not identified. As described herein, the combination of the network connection condition and the selection of the standby state may be utilized such that the network connection being connected might prevent the standby state from being initiated. In a similar way, the user flipped mode may be prevented from initiating when the network connection is disconnected. Utilizing the combination of a selection and the condition of the network connection can lower the risk of mistakes being made by a user.

[0077] At step 690, the method 680 can include receiving, in response to initiating the standby state, a password setting change from a device to generate the administrator password. The password setting change from the device can be performed by the device without having to provide a previous password established during the previous operation of the device. In this way, a user can perform tests and / or change settings using the user interface and then subsequently access the device without having to provide a password to update settings and / or add an administrative password for the device.

[0078] In some examples, the method 680 can include shutting down the device in response to receiving the device setting changes for the device, activating the device, and enabling a connection with the device. In these examples, the password setting change is received through the connection. In these examples, the device can include the device setting changes when the device is activated subsequently. In this way, the device can be updated with particular settings without establishing an administrator password.86343539 20 / 25

[0079] In some examples, the method 680 can include determining a condition of a network connection with the device. As described herein, the condition of the network connection can indicate whether the device is connected to a local area network or whether the device is disconnected from the local area network. In a specific example, the condition of the network connection with the device can be a condition of whether a network cable is connected to the device. For example, determining the condition of the network connection can include determining whether an Ethernet cable is connected to an Ethernet port of the device. Although an Ethernet cable is described herein, other network connection cables can be utilized in a similar way.

[0080] In the foregoing detailed description of the disclosure, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration how examples of the disclosure may be practiced. These examples are described in sufficient detail to enable those of ordinary skill in the art to practice the examples of this disclosure, and it is to be understood that other examples may be utilized and that process, electrical, and / or structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Further, as used herein, “a” refers to one such thing or more than one such thing.

[0081] The figures herein follow a numbering convention in which the first digit corresponds to the drawing figure number and the remaining digits identify an element or component in the drawing. For example, reference numeral 102 may refer to element 102 in Figure 1 and an analogous element may be identified by reference numeral 302 in Figure 3. Elements shown in the various figures herein can be added, exchanged, and / or eliminated to provide additional examples of the disclosure. In addition, the proportion and the relative scale of the elements provided in the figures are intended to illustrate the examples of the disclosure and should not be taken in a limiting sense.

[0082] It can be understood that when an element is referred to as being "on," "connected to", “coupled to”, or "coupled with" another element, it can be directly on, connected, or coupled with the other element or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an object is “directly coupled to” or “directly coupled with” another element it is understood that are no intervening elements (adhesives, screws, other elements) etc.86343539 21 / 25

[0083] The above specification, examples, and data provide a description of the system and method of the disclosure. Since many examples can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the system and method of the disclosure, this specification merely sets forth some of the many possible example configurations and implementations.

Claims

86343539 22 / 25What is claimed is:

1. A device, comprising: a processor; and a non-transitory memory resource storing machine-readable instructions stored thereon that, when executed, cause the processor to: activate the device, that includes a stored default password, at an unsecured access mode; receive a selection for an authentication mode of the device; and initiate one of a plurality of authentication modes for the device in response to the selection and an identified condition of the device, wherein the plurality of authentication modes include a first authentication mode that activates the stored default password and a second authentication mode that deactivates the stored default password.

2. The device of claim 1 , wherein the unsecured access mode is initiated at startup with factory settings.

3. The device of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of authentication modes includes a user flipped mode where the stored default password is activated for the device and a standby state where the stored default password is inactivated and remains in the unsecured access mode until a subsequent use.

4. The device of claim 3, wherein the standby state enables a device to define an administrative password for the device without activating the stored default password for the device.

5. The device of claim 4, wherein the stored default password is based on a password label included with the device.

6. The device of claim 3, wherein the processor is to initiate the standby state from the plurality of authentication modes in response to the condition of the device including a disconnected network connection and the selection for the authentication mode is the standby state.86343539 23 / 257. The device of claim 3, wherein the processor is to initiate the user flipped mode in response to the condition of the device including a connected network connection and the selection for the authentication mode is the user flipped mode.

8. A non-transitory memory resource storing machine-readable instructions stored thereon that, when executed, cause a processor to: initiate an initial startup in an unsecured access mode for a device that includes a stored default password; initiate a user flipped mode to establish the stored default password as an administrator password in response to an indication of a first condition of the device; and initiate a standby state such that the device remains in the unsecured access mode for a subsequent use of the device in response to an indication of a second condition of the device.

9. The memory resource of claim 8, wherein the stored default password from a password label is inactivated in response to initiating the standby state.

10. The memory resource of claim 8, wherein the processor is to receive a settings change from a device to alter an administrator password during the subsequent use of the device.11 . The memory resource of claim 8, wherein the standby state is only initiated when the condition of a network connection of the device is a disconnected network connection.

12. A method, comprising: activating an initial startup in an unsecured access mode during a power-up operation of a device that includes a stored default password; displaying instructions for entering a standby state and a user flipped mode for the device; initiating the standby state without the stored default password as an administrator password in response to identifying a condition of the device;86343539 24 / 25 preventing the standby state when the condition of the device is not identified; and receiving, in response to initiating the standby state, a password setting change from a device to generate the administrator password.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising enabling a startup menu in response to initiating the standby state to allow device setting changes for the device prior to receiving the password setting change to generate the administrator password.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising: shutting down the device in response to receiving the device setting changes for the device; activating the device, wherein the device includes the device setting changes; and enabling a connection with the device, wherein the password setting change is received through the connection.

15. The method of claim 12, further comprising preventing the user flipped mode in response to initiating the standby state, wherein preventing the user flipped mode includes preventing the stored default password on a password label included with the device from being utilized by the device.

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