Method and apparatus for providing remote access to security features on a computer network

摘要

A run-time security methodology and apparatus for supporting complete access to the security features of a network computer by a network administrator. In a network computer according to the invention, various resources are secured by a security device. The resources are accessible by a computer user with knowledge of one or more user passwords stored in the security device. An administrator password is also stored in the security device. In addition to control access to specified resources, the administrator password also functions as a surrogate for the other passwords stored in the security device. An administrator password implemented according to the invention thereby allows a network administrator to remotely override any activated user security settings and receive complete access to a secured network computer.