Patent attributes
An external biometric reader and verification device for providing access control to a computing device, and associated methods, are disclosed. The external reader can store and verify biometrics under the control of the computing device and send identity verification messages to the computing device. One disclosed device includes a biometric reader communicatively connected to an external secure microcontroller. The external secure microcontroller stores a set of biometric data and a signing key. The signing key can be injected by a device manufacturer in a controlled key injection room in a manufacturing facility and can be used to sign a certificate. An operating system of the computing device can be programmed to send a request for the certificate, receive the certificate, and predicate control of access to the operating system using the verification messages on verification of the certificate.
