Abstract: A computing system includes a BIOS, a BMC coupled to the BIOS, and one or more hardware components. The BMC can receive commands from a user, and transition between a locked state and an unlocked state. When the BMC is in the unlocked state, the BMC responds to commands received from the user. When the BMC is in the locked state, the BMC ignores commands received from the user. The BMC is configured to receive an unlock command from a user that includes an unlock signature. The BMC is further configured to determine whether the unlock signature is authentic. If the unlock signature is authentic and the BMC is in the locked state, the BMC is configured to transition from the locked state to the unlocked state, to allow the user access to the hardware components of the computing system.