Patent ID: 8650611
Filing Date: 2014-02-11
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
1. A method of setting security policy of an image forming apparatus which is connectable to an external device via a communication interface, is print related to a printing job and includes an open framework on which applications corresponding to at least one of a printing function, a copying function, a faxing function, a scanning function, a scan to personal computer (PC) function, and a scan to file transfer protocol (FTP) function are installed, the method comprising: accessing the external device storing at least one security provider corresponding to user authentication via the communication interface; selecting the security provider; receiving the selected security provider at the image forming apparatus; installing the received security provider in the image forming apparatus; selecting at least one application to apply the installed security provider and setting the installed security provider as a user authenticator for the at least one selected application; mapping the at least one selected application onto the installed security provider and storing mapping information as a database; displaying the stored database; receiving a request to perform a function provided by the image forming apparatus; performing authentication for the request function using a security provider corresponding to the requested function and a security information which is used to determine if a user requesting a function is an authenticated user and if the authenticated user has the authority to use the function; and providing the requested function using an application corresponding to the request when the request is authenticated, wherein the security provider can indicate and/or identify a program which performs authentication and authorization control in the image forming apparatus.