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IBM Applies for Password Manager Patent

Posted by CmdrTaco on from the isn't-that-special dept.

An anonymous reader writes "As of August 21, IBM has applied for a patent on "A convenient and secure system and method for access to any number of password-protected computer applications, web sites and forms without adding to the user cognitive load and without circumventing the inherent security of such password-protection schemes. An existing password field on a device display is overlaid with password wallet pop-up field which allows a wallet "master" key to unlock the wallet. An application-specific and/or user-specific password is automatically retrieved from the wallet and entered into the password field with no other user action required." This isn't much different from Mozilla's "Master Password"."

4 of 247 comments (clear)

  1. Who do we like today? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    SCO story... YAY IBM

    Patent story... BOO IBM

    do we like Apple today too? or is this an anti apple day? it's hard to keep up

  2. Responsibility by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    The person who allowed the patent at the patent office should personally be responsible for any prior art they find afterwards. This person should be obligated to eat a copy of all specifications of prior art available. Either they would learn to appreciate and to digest cellulose or they would take a closer look at the papers they sign.

  3. Just make an opinion check by Lord_Slepnir · · Score: 5, Funny
    Here's how you do it: First, select which company it is from the first chart. Then apply any of the modifier from the second chart. Roll a d20. If you can beat that DC, then we like that company. If you fail, you hate that company.

    Comanies:
    SCO: DC 30
    IBM: DC 10
    Microsoft: DC 20
    Amazon: DC 15
    MPAA / RIAA: DC 30
    Apple (If you use Macs): DC 5
    Apple (otherwise) : DC 15
    RedHat: DC 5
    Disney: DC 15
    US Government: DC 20
    Other Government: DC 10


    Modifiers:
    Is switching to linux: -20
    Is switching from linux: +15
    Is going after Microsoft: -10
    _____ vs. SCO : -20
    Files a BS patent: +10
    Is being investigated by the US government for anti-trust or Fraud: -5

    In this case, we have IBM, a DC 10 check. We add a +10 Filing BS patent modifier, and we realize that we'll have to roll a natural 20 to make this check. I rolled a 18, so while I come close to supporting them, I just can't and decide to waste a bunch of my time making these charts instead.

  4. Re:Prior art by noda132 · · Score: 5, Funny

    And Microsoft's Passport thing? Isn't it meant to include that functionality as well?

    No, read the story again. It distinctly says, "a convenient and secure system" (emphasis added).