Network-based authentication of computer user

Details Network-based authentication of computer user Network-based authentication of computer user

1998-06-29

2002-01-08

Decady, Albert (Department: 2762)

Electrical computers and digital processing systems: support

Multiple computer communication using cryptography

Central trusted authority provides computer authentication

C713S152000, C713S164000, C713S183000, C713S185000, C705S065000, C705S067000, C705S072000, C705S073000, C380S232000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06338138

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to data processing systems and, more particularly, to network-based authentication of a computer user.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Conventional stand-alone computers typically perform their own authentication, a process known as local authentication. A “stand-alone computer” refers to a computer that is fully functional without having to connect to another device. Since the computer is fully functional, it has a processor, input/output capabilities, and an operating system with a file system. Conventional stand-alone computers perform local authentication by authenticating a user when the user attempts to log into the computer and then, based upon the outcome of the authentication, by either allowing or inhibiting the user form using the services of the computer. The term “services” refers to functionality provided by the computer system, such as access to the file system, e-mail system, or calendaring system.
Performing local authentication has its drawbacks in certain environments. Specifically, performing local authentication in a large organization is difficult because a large organization typically has many users using many interconnected computers, and multiple users may utilize the same computer. In such an organization, the computers are interconnected via a network, such as a local-area network, wide-area network, or the Internet, and it would be very difficult to enable each computer to authenticate any user that may want to use it. Another drawback is that a system administrator is typically unable to control access and use of each of the individual computers unless he configures each one individually. Such an effort is very time consuming and is not practical for large organizations. It is therefore desirable to improve the authentication scheme of computers that are interconnected by a network.


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