Apple Patents Power Adapter That Recovers Lost Passwords

Sparrowvsrevolution writes "Apple has patented a power charger that also serves as a password recovery backup. If a user forgets his Macbook's password, for instance, he simply plugs in the cord, and it would provide a unique ID number stored in a memory chip in the adapter that acts as a decryption key, unscrambling an encrypted copy of the password stored on the machine. The technique, according to the patent, incentivizes better password use by avoiding traditional password recovery techniques that annoy users and lead to disabled or easily-guessed passwords. The new technique is only secure, the patent admits, in cases where the user leaves a mobile device's charger at home. So the idea may make the most sense for long-battery-life devices like iPods, iPads and iPhones rather than laptops, at least until laptop batteries last long enough that users don't take their power adapters with them and expose them to theft."

Comments

Re:And in one move

[IVI V K]

Apples magsafe power supply uses as patented magnetic connector.
As far as i know there is no 3rd party power block available for mac laptops due to this connector.

They have already "killed" this accessory market.

Re:And in one move

[slartibartfastatp]

Can you get Magsafe power adapters from anyone else anyways? I've never seen any, and a quick Googling says no.

Our friends from China say "yes, you can". I burned two original magsafe PA, then bought this one by U$ 30 (w/ shipping) two years ago. Still working.