Intel has announced a new security architecture that provides increased data and asset protection for mobile PCs. Called the Intel Protected Access Architecture (IPAA), it works by identifying the authorised user of the mobile PC through a device such as a fingerprint reader, smart card or USB "key" before proceeding to boot up the system.
If the person attempting to use the PC is not authorised, the system will not boot up, preventing access to the system`s data and rendering the system useless. This approach provides a stronger security solution than BIOS passwords alone, and could also remove the burden of users having to remember them.
Proper implementation of IPAA in a PC can help ensure that only the authorised user has access to the data inside the system, and acts as a deterrent to system theft. Intel is working with mobile PC vendors, BIOS vendors and makers of security hardware devices to bring this architecture to market. Mobile PCs with this new technology are expected to be shipping in volume in early 2001.
IPAA kicks in before the operating system loads up. It provides a simple mechanism for mobile PCs to query the user in order to ensure that the user is authorised to access the system, before allowing the system to boot up.
After turning on the PC, the user must be "authenticated" as the authorised user of that system by using a fingerprint reader (or other biometric device), USB key, smart card, or other authentication device. In addition, a password or personal identification number code may be used to provide multiple factors of authentication.
Once the user has been authenticated and the required level of "trust" between the user and the system has been established, the password-protected hard disk drive is automatically unlocked and the computer boots and loads the operating system and applications.
In addition, by storing the "key" to the hard drive in a protected location in the computer, and not the hard drive itself, IPAA can also help prevent data theft even if the hard drive is stolen.
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