Patent ID: 6421779
Filing Date: 2002-07-16
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
An electronic data storage apparatus for storing electronic data, comprising:a data storage unit storing electronic data; an authentication information generation unit generating authentication information used in checking correctness of the electronic data stored in said data storage unit; an authentication information data output unit outputting the electronic data stored in said data storage unit after adding to the electronic data the authentication information generated for the electronic data; a master key storage unit storing a master key common to a plurality of electronic data storage apparatuses; a mutual authentication unit performing mutual authentication between the plurality of electronic data storage apparatuses before the electronic data is transferred between the electronic data storage apparatuses; an electronic data storage apparatus identification information storage unit storing electronic data storage apparatus identification information unique to said electronic data storage apparatus, wherein said mutual authentication unit generates first mutual authentication information by encrypting the electronic data storage apparatus identification information and random information using the master key, transmits the first mutual authentication information to another electronic data storage apparatus, decrypts the second mutual authentication information using the master key and determines if information included in the decrypted second mutual authentication information matches the random information used to generate the first mutual authentication information.