Patent ID: 8966657
Filing Date: 2015-02-24
Classification: G06F,H04L

Abstract:
1. A method comprising: creating, by a management engine in a system a secure permit request for a permit to change a hardware configuration of a hardware component of the system having a processor, wherein the hardware configuration is a hardware configuration of a chipset or a chipset part, wherein the secure permit request includes permit authentication information to bind the permit to the system, wherein a unique key has been permanently programmed into the hardware component by randomly blowing fuses in the hardware component during manufacturing, and wherein the management engine is capable of running services separate from a controller in the system; sending the secure permit request to a remote location, wherein the unique key is used to ensure secure communication and permit authentication with the remote location; receiving, by the management engine, a permit message sent from the remote location in response to the secure permit request, wherein the permit message includes the permit authentication information; and changing, by the management engine, the hardware configuration of the hardware component by updating registers in the hardware configuration in response to validating the permit authentication information in the received permit message.