Computer security during power-on self test

摘要

A system and method of operating a computer system include ignoring all inputs from an input/output device during a power-on self test procedure except a pre-specified input; prompting a user for a password upon detection of the pre-specified input; comparing the password entered by the user in response to the prompting to a previously-stored password; and processing inputs other than the pre-specified input during the power-on self-test procedure if and only if the password entered by the user matches the previously-stored password. In one embodiment, the password must be entered by the user with a pre-specified period of time after the prompt.