9Security

Protecting the computer

Standard security features provided by the Windows operating system and the non-Windows Computer Setup utility (BIOS) can protect your personal settings and data from a variety of risks.

NOTE: Security solutions are designed to act as deterrents. These deterrents may not prevent a product from being mishandled or stolen.

NOTE: Before you send your computer for service, back up and delete confidential files, and

remove all password settings.

NOTE: Some features listed in this chapter may not be available on your computer.

NOTE: Your computer supports Computrace, which is an online security-based tracking and recovery service available in select regions. If the computer is stolen, Computrace can track the computer if the unauthorized user accesses the Internet. You must purchase the software and subscribe to the service in order to use Computrace. For information about ordering the Computrace software, go to http://hp-pt.absolute.com.

Computer risk

Security feature

 

 

Unauthorized use of the computer

HP Client Security, in combination with a password, smart

 

card, contactless card, registered fingerprints, or other

 

authentication credential

 

 

Unauthorized access to Computer Setup (f10)

BIOS administrator password in Computer Setup*

 

 

Unauthorized access to the contents of a hard drive

DriveLock password or Automatic DriveLock password in

 

Computer Setup*

 

 

Unauthorized startup from an optional external optical drive

Boot options feature in Computer Setup*

(select models only), optional external hard drive (select

 

models only), or internal network adapter

 

 

 

Unauthorized access to a Windows user account

Windows user password

 

 

Unauthorized access to data

● HP Drive Encryption software

 

● Windows Defender

 

 

Unauthorized access to Computer Setup settings and other

BIOS administrator password in Computer Setup*

system identification information

 

*Computer Setup is a preinstalled, ROM-based utility that can be used even when the operating system is not working or will not load. You can use either a pointing device (TouchPad, pointing stick, or USB mouse) or the keyboard to navigate and make selections in Computer Setup.

Using passwords

A password is a group of characters that you choose to secure your computer information. Several types of passwords can be set, depending on how you want to control access to your information. Passwords can be set in Windows or in the non-Windows Computer Setup utility that is preinstalled on the computer.

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