17945347. GRANULAR LOCKDOWN OF OPERATING SYSTEM BASED FIRMWARE UPDATES simplified abstract (Dell Products L.P.)

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GRANULAR LOCKDOWN OF OPERATING SYSTEM BASED FIRMWARE UPDATES

Organization Name

Dell Products L.P.

Inventor(s)

Mukund P. Khatri of Austin TX (US)

William C. Munger of Round Rock TX (US)

GRANULAR LOCKDOWN OF OPERATING SYSTEM BASED FIRMWARE UPDATES - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 17945347 titled 'GRANULAR LOCKDOWN OF OPERATING SYSTEM BASED FIRMWARE UPDATES

Simplified Explanation

The abstract describes a patent application for an information handling system that includes a protected memory storing identifiers of locked down devices. The system receives a firmware update package for a device within the system and determines if the device's identifier is in the protected memory to prevent the firmware update if necessary.

  • The system includes a protected memory to store identifiers of locked down devices.
  • The system receives a firmware update package for a device within the system.
  • The firmware update package contains a firmware update for the device.
  • The system checks if the device's identifier is in the protected memory.
  • If the identifier is in the protected memory, the system prevents the firmware update for the device.

Potential Applications

This technology could be applied in secure information handling systems to prevent unauthorized firmware updates on locked down devices.

Problems Solved

This technology helps prevent unauthorized firmware updates on devices within an information handling system, enhancing security and preventing potential vulnerabilities.

Benefits

The system provides an additional layer of security by restricting firmware updates on locked down devices, ensuring the integrity of the information handling system.

Potential Commercial Applications

A potential commercial application of this technology could be in industries where data security is critical, such as healthcare, finance, or government sectors.

Possible Prior Art

One possible prior art for this technology could be existing systems that restrict software updates on specific devices within a network to maintain security protocols.

Unanswered Questions

How does this technology impact the overall performance of the information handling system?

This article does not address how the prevention of firmware updates on locked down devices affects the system's performance.

Are there any potential workarounds for bypassing the protection mechanism of this technology?

The article does not discuss any potential vulnerabilities or workarounds that could compromise the protection mechanism of preventing firmware updates on locked down devices.


Original Abstract Submitted

An information handling system includes a protected memory that stores identifiers of locked down devices. The system receives a firmware update package for a device within the information handling system. The firmware update package includes a firmware update for the device. The system determines whether an identifier for the device is located within protected memory. If the identifier for the device is located within the protected memory, then the system prevents the firmware update for the device.