Patent ID: 8978160
Filing Date: 2015-03-10
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
1. A method for validating a software file to be installed into a controller, said method comprising: updating the software file; assigning a software version code to the software file; assigning a security version code to the software file, wherein assigning a security version code to the software file includes keeping the security version code the same if the software file has not been updated for correcting a security vulnerability and increasing the security version code if the software file has been updated for correcting a security vulnerability; digitally signing the software file with the software file version code and the security version code; presenting the signed software file to the controller for installing on the controller; verifying the software file signature in the controller to determine if the software file is valid; determining whether the security version code in the software file is valid if the controller determines that the signed software file is valid; and allowing the software file to be installed in the controller if the signed software file is valid and the security version code is valid.