Backlock Access Password Server for Computing Device Reconfiguration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for accessing and reconfiguring computing devices require a valid user password, which can be a barrier when the password is unknown, necessitating a time-consuming factory reset and complete reconfiguration.
Innovation Solution
A method that allows logging into a computing device using a backlock access password generated by the device itself, based on its hostname, serial number, and special identifier, which can be retrieved through a backlock access password server, enabling reconfiguration without a known user password.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a valid user password is required for logging into a computing device, then security is improved, but accessibility for service technicians deteriorates when the password is unknown
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a backlock access password server as an intermediary between the computing device and service technicians. When a service technician needs access but doesn't have the user password, they can obtain a backlock access password from this server using device identifiers (hostname, serial number, special identifier). This intermediary system maintains security by requiring authentication through the server while enabling accessibility for authorized service personnel without needing the original user password.
2Ease of operation
If a factory reset is performed to reconfigure a computing device without a password, then accessibility is improved, but time consumption and loss of configuration information worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring the computing device with unique identifiers (hostname, serial number, and a special identifier stored in protected memory) that can be used to generate backlock access passwords. This preliminary setup enables service technicians to retrieve access passwords before needing to perform a factory reset, allowing them to reconfigure devices without time-consuming resets and without losing existing configuration information.
3Ease of repair
If a backlock access password system is implemented, then serviceability is improved, but device complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the backlock access password generation and management functionality from the computing device itself and places it in a separate backlock access password server. The computing device only needs to store simple identifiers (hostname, serial number, and special identifier) while the complex password generation, validation, and management operations are performed externally by the server. This extraction reduces the complexity burden on individual devices while maintaining improved serviceability through the distributed system.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
A method for logging into a computing device, wherein a computing device is logged into by entering a combination of a valid user name and a user password at a login prompt being provided by the computing device; a computing device, a backlock access password server, a network operations center server, a telecommunication network and a computer program product.