Abstract: Personal computer (PC) systems that are remotely managed are equipped with protected storage that is accessible only by Basic Input Output System (BIOS) code. The protected storage has the capacity to store a symmetrical encryption Key. An electronically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM) which normally contains the BIOS code is used to store accessible configuration data as well as previously remotely unaccessible sensitive access information (e.g., passwords). The EEPROM is write protected with standard write protect algorithms and access the alterable EEPROM data is through write requests to the BIOS code. Previously remotely unaccessible sensitive data is encrypted with the symmetrical encryption Key by the BIOS code. Remote access to the sensitive data is accomplished via change requests submitted to the BIOS code over a secure channel. The BIOS code has data that allows it to determine if the request is valid.