BIOS Access Control via Remote Directory Server
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Solution Overview
Problem
Managing BIOS settings across multiple computing devices in an enterprise environment is complicated by the need for secure access control, as local passwords can lead to administrative burdens and security weaknesses when each device has a unique password, or when all devices share the same password.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a remote directory server to manage user credentials and permissions, allowing computing devices to validate user access requests and grant access based on credentials and group memberships stored centrally, simplifying administration and enhancing security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If each computing device has a unique local password for BIOS access control, then security is improved, but administrative complexity increases and security weaknesses arise when passwords need to be managed across multiple devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a remote directory server as an intermediary between computing devices and BIOS access control. The directory server stores and manages user credentials and permissions centrally, eliminating the need for administrators to manage unique passwords on each device. When BIOS access is requested, the local BIOS module communicates with the remote directory server to validate credentials and determine permissions, thereby improving security while reducing administrative complexity.
2Ease of operation
If all computing devices share the same password for BIOS access, then administrative complexity is reduced, but security is weakened as discovery of the password grants access to all devices
Solution Approach 1:
The remote directory server acts as a mediator that enables both ease of administration and strong security simultaneously. Administrators can easily manage user credentials and permissions from a central location without needing to access each device individually. At the same time, security is maintained because the directory server validates credentials and enforces device-specific permissions, ensuring that even if one device's credentials are compromised, access to other devices remains protected.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by allowing each computing device to have its own specific permission settings stored in the remote directory server. While credential management is centralized for ease of administration, each device can have customized access control policies. This means that security permissions can be tailored to individual devices or users, providing both centralized management simplicity and device-specific security control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If local passwords are used for BIOS access control, then device autonomy is maintained, but credential management becomes complicated across multiple devices
Solution Approach 1:
The remote directory server provides universal credential management functionality that serves all computing devices in the enterprise. Instead of each device needing independent password management capabilities, the centralized directory server handles authentication and authorization for all devices. This maintains device autonomy at the BIOS level while eliminating the complexity of distributed credential management, as the directory server provides a unified interface for managing access control across the entire device fleet.
Data Source
AI summary
Example embodiments disclosed herein relate to managing basic input/output system (BIOS) access. Example embodiments include communicating with a remote directory server in response to an attempt to access a setting of a BIOS module.