System Password In Flash, Not Cmos; Supervisor Password; Boot String - Toshiba 8000 User Manual

System password in Flash, Not CMOS

Toshiba addresses security concerns in a number of ways. Across
Toshiba's product lines, the system password for user entry is
located in flash memory, as opposed to CMOS. CMOS is battery-
powered memory. If the small CMOS battery is shorted or runs
down, the password is deleted and the system is left vulnerable to
external violation. FLASH memory is non-volatile ROM memory
and is not susceptible to power loss, either inadvertent or
intentional. Writing the password into FLASH memory protects
the security of the system, ultimately protecting both hardware and
sensitive data.

Supervisor password

Each Toshiba system has the capability of utilizing two passwords
for added security and investment protection: the user password
and the supervisor password. The supervisor password, if enabled,
carries a higher priority than the user password. In the event that
an employee forgets his or her password or leaves the company
without divulging the system password, the supervisor password
will allow that supervisor access to the system to reformat,
reconfigure and redistribute it. Without the supervisor password,
this abandoned system would be locked and unsalvageable.
Additionally, this is a useful feature should the supervisor want to
change the system or network password for security purposes, as
is often the case with frequent changes in personnel.

Boot String

Toshiba notebooks have a unique "Boot String" sequence that
helps to identify the system in the event that it is lost or stolen.
Completely user-programmable, a sample boot string might read,
"This computer belongs to John Smith, Company XYZ. Please
call for reward if found. 555-1212." The boot string sequence is
displayed prior to the hard drive start-up and serves as the link for
recovery of a notebook.
Managing Your Tecra 8000 Series Computer
Security management
Part II: Technical Reference
197