Apple has patented a power adapter and processor designed to store passwords.
According to a US patent (20120005747) filed by Apple, the device contains a memory unit that serves as a password manager.
When users forget passwords, the computer would use an identifier to obtain an encrypted recovery secret stored on the adaptor.
The recovery secret could be generated by encrypting a password using the universal unique identifier (UUID).
The decryption process could be tied to a specific device, a server, or peripherals such as printers and routers. Apple says this would increase security in the event that adaptors were stolen.
In its patent, Apple said the unit would help reduce the need for password resets and encourage users to choose stronger passwords.
However free software password managers have been available for years, and are interoperable across many mobile platforms and operating systems.
The managers help users set passwords with high entropy, stored in a database and made accessible using a master password.
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