[LinuxBIOS] Smart card

[Fred .]

I think it would be cool if the computer would refuse to boot without
a smart card.

[Peter Stuge]

On Wed, Mar 14, 2007 at 04:09:17PM +0100, Fred . wrote:
> I think it would be cool if the computer would refuse to boot
> without a smart card.

This is a nice idea. Have LinuxBIOS boot up a minimal Linux system
from flash that has been prepared with the public key part of a card.

Then have the minimal system wait for the right card to be inserted.
(Of course it has to be challenged too.)

After good verification, kexec the real system kernel.

//Peter

[Quux]

or use the poor man's ersatz smart card: usb memory stick. this has been 
implemented in some mainstream motherboards already: without the key 
from the stick nothing will boot up. but then I remember when last time 
my ec credit card failed to work. a real PITA. may be OK for your 
boss'es computer, tho

Peter Stuge schrieb:
> On Wed, Mar 14, 2007 at 04:09:17PM +0100, Fred . wrote:
> > I think it would be cool if the computer would refuse to boot
> > without a smart card.
>
> This is a nice idea. Have LinuxBIOS boot up a minimal Linux system
> from flash that has been prepared with the public key part of a card.
>
> Then have the minimal system wait for the right card to be inserted.
> (Of course it has to be challenged too.)
>
> After good verification, kexec the real system kernel.
>
> //Peter