Importance

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Abstract

Features of a data processing system, such as its configuration, are protected utilizing a machine-specific limited-life password. The data processing system includes execution resources for executing a watchdog program, a limited-life value generator, and non-volatile storage that stores a machine-specific value at least partially derived from relatively unique information associated with the data processing system (and preferably also derived from a secret control password). In response to each attempted access to the protected features of the data processing system, the watchdog program generates at least one machine-specific limited-life password from the machine-specific value and a limited-life value generated by the limited-life value generator. The watchdog program allows access to the protected features in response to entry of the machine-specific limited-life password and otherwise denies access. Depending upon implementation, the limited-life value can represent a timestamp that limits the duration that the machine-specific limited-life value is valid or a nonce that limits the number of times that the machine-specific limited-life value can be used.

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First Claim