摘要 |
A computer system comprises a processor that is arranged to alter at least one aspect of operation only if a command to alter that at least one aspect is provided by a valid user. For this aspect of operation, a valid user may be a user authenticated by the processor by establishing that the user possesses a secret, or may be a user who satisfies a condition for physical presence at the computer system. However, for a predetermined time after authentication by establishment of possession of the secret has taken place, the processor will not be responsive to the or each such command when issued by a user who is not authenticated by the processor but who satisfies a condition for physical presence at the computer system. This approach is of particular value in the provision of commands to a trusted component of trusted computing apparatus. |