Patent ID: 6725382
Filing Date: 2004-04-20
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
A device security apparatus comprising:storage in the device for storing a password and preventing a user of the device from accessing the stored password while use of the device is disabled; a connector connecting the device to an external entity; a lock in the device, cooperative with the storage, that disables use of the device unless a password is given to the lock which corresponds to the stored password; and an arrangement cooperative with the storage, the connector, and the lock, responsive to the use of the device having been enabled and the connection having been made to the external entity, for enabling the stored password to be changed if the stored password corresponds to a password stored by the connected external entity, and for effecting storage of said changed password by the external entity, the arrangement including means for establishing the user's identity with the external entity, means for providing the stored password to the external entity, and means for enabling the stored password to be changed in response to receiving an indication from the external entity that the established identity and provided password match an identity and the password stored by the external entity.