Mike Partington

Title: The Innovations of Mike Partington: A Look at His Contributions in Computing Security

Introduction

Mike Partington, an accomplished inventor based in Lexington, KY, has made significant contributions to the field of computing security. With a total of two patents to his name, Partington's work aims to enhance the safety and reliability of computing devices through innovative firmware authentication methods.

Latest Patents

Partington's latest patents focus on vital security strategies within computing devices. The first, titled "Dual boot strategy to authenticate firmware in a computing device," introduces methods for authenticating firmware by partitioning critical functions of the device. This innovative approach ensures that upon successful firmware authentication, all functions of the device become operational. However, if authentication fails, the device operates in a diagnostic mode, assisting users in troubleshooting. The patent encompasses various computing devices such as laser printers, mobile phones, and gaming consoles, and highlights features like firmware downloads, error messaging, and signature table construction.

His second patent, "Boot validation system and method," enhances the validation process of boot code in computer systems. Utilizing a secure hash algorithm, this invention computes a hash value of the boot code and compares it to a preprogrammed hash value stored in secure non-volatile memory. If the values match, the boot code is validated and executed, further enabling the validation of additional code within the system. This method is particularly applicable to imaging devices, including printers.

Career Highlights

Mike Partington is currently employed at Lexmark International, Inc., a leading company in printing and imaging solutions. His dedication to advancing technology in the field of computing is reflected in his patent holdings and ongoing projects. Partington’s work has been instrumental in enhancing the security protocols of various computing devices used across industries.

Collaborations

Partington has collaborated with notable coworkers, including James Ronald Booth and William Pohl Corbett, Jr. Their combined expertise has contributed to a productive environment that fosters innovation and ensures the continuous improvement of their technological solutions.

Conclusion

In summary, Mike Partington's contributions to computing security through his patents reflect a commitment to innovation and excellence. His work at Lexmark International, Inc. has not only enhanced the functionality and security of computing devices but has also established him as a key inventor in this vital field. As technology continues to evolve, the significance of secure firmware and boot processes will undoubtedly remain a priority, thanks in part to the pioneering efforts of inventors like Partington.