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The deposit, 20120005747A1, describes a method for storing a password to retrieve the secret to a device, including an AC adapter. The development would, in essence, turn the power cords and other devices in a second factor that would make it harder for thieves to access devices they steal.
The patent application of 16 pages filed on Thursday, describes a system in which a secret password is stored in memory of a special adapter that is associated with a specific device. Users who have forgotten the password needed to access their device must first connect the adapter before they are able to see the secret of recovery.
Links on Patents for Apple power cord links the patent PasswordApple a power cord to the invention PasswordThe is designed to solve problems with current mechanisms for recovering passwords and authentication mechanisms including user-supplied phrases recovery password (too hard to remember) and biometric authentication (requires the owner to be physically present to connect - even if they are dead) recovery method the power cord would also thwart thieves who snatch a laptop from a carrying case or car - often leaving behind the other devices.
The patent is not limited to power cords. Printers, portable hard drives, wireless routers, or even a smart phone could act as a second factor. Depending on the implementation, the device can store a secret recovery, or just a portion of a password, multi-party.
Increasing adoption of mobile computing devices and high-level leaks including connection information for hundreds of thousands of users have revealed weaknesses in current methods of fixing devices and online accounts. Despite the warnings, many users rely on insecurity and passwords easy to guess, and reuse between different devices and online services.
