How to Configure BIOS Settings for HP ProtectTools Security

Secure BIOS Configuration Checklist for HP ProtectTools ImplementationImplementing HP ProtectTools (now often part of HP Client Security or HP BIOS settings with integrated security tools) requires careful BIOS configuration to ensure system integrity, protect credentials, and enable hardware-based security features. This checklist walks you through recommended BIOS settings, rationale for each change, and practical steps to verify and maintain a secure BIOS posture across HP business PCs.

Executive summary

HP ProtectTools relies on several platform capabilities that are controlled or enabled in BIOS. This checklist helps IT administrators and security engineers configure BIOS settings to support ProtectTools features such as Trusted Platform Module (TPM), secure boot, password protection, drive encryption, and measured boot. Follow these steps to reduce attack surface and ensure reliable deployment.

Preconditions and preparation

• Ensure you have administrative access to the BIOS and HP ProtectTools/HP Client Security management consoles.
• Backup important data and document current BIOS settings before making changes.
• Confirm the target machines are running supported hardware (TPM 1.⁄₂.0, UEFI firmware) and OS versions compatible with your ProtectTools/HP Client Security version.
• Get the latest BIOS firmware from HP and schedule updates during maintenance windows.

Core BIOS settings checklist

1. Enable UEFI boot mode

   • Rationale: UEFI provides secure boot and more robust firmware features than legacy BIOS.
   • Action: Switch boot mode from Legacy/CSM to UEFI if supported. Reinstall or repair OS bootloader if required.

2. Enable Secure Boot

   • Rationale: Secure Boot helps prevent unsigned/unauthorized bootloaders and rootkits from loading.
   • Action: Enable Secure Boot and keep the default HP/Windows keys unless you’re deploying custom keys for enterprise.

3. Enable and activate TPM (prefer TPM 2.0 if available)

   • Rationale: TPM stores keys for disk encryption (BitLocker), measured boot, and ProtectTools credentials.
   • Action: Set TPM to Enabled and Activated (and Ownership cleared if moving ownership). If there’s an option for TPM 2.0 vs 1.2, choose 2.0.

4. Enable BIOS/UEFI password protection

   • Rationale: Prevents unauthorized changes to firmware settings.
   • Action: Configure an Administrator (Supervisor) password in BIOS. Store password securely in enterprise password manager or a secure vault.

5. Configure power-on password (optional, based on policy)

   • Rationale: Adds an additional layer before OS loads; may be required for some regulatory environments.
   • Action: Set power-on (system) password if needed; be aware of helpdesk overhead for forgotten passwords.

6. Disable legacy/unused interfaces and ports

   • Rationale: Reduces attack surface by disabling unnecessary boot options and hardware interfaces.
   • Action: Disable Legacy USB support if not needed, disable FireWire, serial ports, SD card reader, or optical drive boot depending on usage.

7. Enable USB and peripheral port control policies

   • Rationale: Prevent unauthorized devices from being used as boot/media or data extraction paths.
   • Action: Use BIOS settings to disable USB boot, and, where possible, lock USB ports or set to “user configurable.”

8. Configure drive encryption prerequisites

   • Rationale: Ensure TPM and boot settings support BitLocker or full-disk encryption used by ProtectTools.
   • Action: Verify TPM is present/activated, secure boot enabled, and UEFI mode set. Enable Intel TXT/AMD fTPM options if required.

9. Enable measured boot / PCR logging (if available)

   • Rationale: Supports attestation and integrity checks for advanced security solutions.
   • Action: Enable TPM PCRs for measured boot and ensure OS supports retrieval of PCR values.

10. Lock BIOS/firmware updates and recovery options

    • Rationale: Prevent malicious or accidental firmware changes.
    • Action: Require admin password for BIOS updates; enable secure firmware update mechanisms (HP Sure Start or similar).

Verification steps

• After applying settings, reboot and enter BIOS to confirm changes persisted.
• From OS, verify TPM status (Windows: tpm.msc), Secure Boot status (System Information), and BitLocker readiness (manage-bde -status).
• Run HP System Software Manager or BIOS management tools (HP Client Management Script Library / HP BIOS Configuration Utility) to audit settings across devices.
• Keep an inventory of devices with firmware versions and BIOS settings for compliance.

Common pitfalls and troubleshooting

• Systems may fail to boot after switching from Legacy to UEFI — prepare recovery media and test on pilot devices first.
• TPM ownership issues: clearing and re-provisioning TPM may be necessary when transferring devices between owners; follow company procedures.
• BIOS password management: losing admin password can require vendor support to reset; maintain secure password escrow.
• Firmware incompatibilities: ensure OS, drivers, and ProtectTools versions support TPM 2.0 and UEFI features.

Automation and enterprise deployment tips

• Use HP BIOS Configuration Utility (BCU) or HP Image Assistant to script and push BIOS settings.
• Integrate with Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager (SCCM) or Intune for configuration baselines and compliance reporting.
• Create a standardized BIOS baseline profile and test on a representative hardware matrix before wide rollout.

Post-deployment maintenance

• Schedule periodic BIOS/firmware updates and re-verify settings after updates.
• Run regular audits (quarterly) to confirm TPM, Secure Boot, and BIOS passwords remain configured.
• Update documentation and recovery procedures, including steps for lost BIOS passwords, TPM clearance, and OS recovery.

Quick checklist (one-page)

• Enable UEFI mode
• Enable Secure Boot
• Enable and activate TPM (prefer 2.0)
• Set BIOS Administrator password
• Disable legacy boot and unused ports
• Disable USB boot / control peripheral boot options
• Ensure drive encryption prerequisites met (TPM, UEFI, Secure Boot)
• Enable measured boot / PCR logging
• Lock BIOS updates behind admin credentials
• Audit and document settings across fleet

This checklist balances security with operational practicality to support HP ProtectTools (HP Client Security) deployment. Tailor settings to organizational policies, test on pilot systems, and maintain clear procedures for TPM management and BIOS password recovery.