Patent ID: 6058478
Filing Date: 2000-05-02
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
In a communication system accessible by a regulatory entity and an upgrade entity, a computer system comprising:a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) controller; anda modifiable cryptographic device coupled to the PCI controller, the modifiable cryptographic device includinga package including an interface to receive an upgrade message including an upgrade directive, an upgrade signature and a regulatory signature,a non-volatile memory element implemented in the package, the non-volatile memory to contain at least a public key of the upgrade entity and a public key of the regulatory entity, anda processor coupled to the non-volatile memory element and implemented in the package, the processor to (i) decrypt the upgrade signature with the public key of the upgrade entity to verify that the upgrade message originated from the upgrade entity, (ii) decrypt the regulatory signature with the public key of the regulatory entity to verify that the upgrade message is authorized by the regulatory entity, and (iii) change information being stored in the non-volatile memory element in accordance with the upgrade directive if the upgrade message originated from the upgrade entity and has been authorized by the regulatory entity.