Patent ID: 6212280
Filing Date: 2001-04-03
Classification: G06F,G06Q,G07F,H04L

Abstract:
A method for managing key material in a plurality of heterogeneous cryptographic assets that require different key material and employ different cryptographic algorithms, the method comprising:defining, for each of the cryptographic assets, respective first key material to be delivered to the cryptographic asset, wherein the respective first key material has a cryptopenod having an expiration;defining, for each of the cryographic assets, respective second key material to be delivered to the cryptographic asset;maintaining a schedule for automatic delivery of the respective second key material to the cryptographic assets such that for each said cryplographic asset the respective second key materia will be delivered automatically to the cryptographic asset at or before the expiration of the cryptoperiod of the respective first key matenal; anddelivering the respective second key material to each of the cryptographic assets via an integrated Key management system having a plurality of key management interices that couple the key management system to the pluralIty of cryptographic assets.