Methods and systems for managing the operation of data processing systems are disclosed. A data processing system may include a computing device that may enter various operating states by performing various types of startups. Performance of some startups may be restricted by use of passwords or other security information. The data processing systems may host management controllers that may bypass the restrictions on the startups. Prior to doing so, the management controllers may verify that the requests to perform the startups are from trusted entities, or should be performed for other reasons.