Patent ID: 8977851
Filing Date: 2015-03-10
Classification: G05B,G06F,H04L

Abstract:
1. A removable security module for use with a first process control device and a second process control device, comprising: a body to be removably coupled to the first process control device or the second process control device; a memory disposed in the body, the memory to store a first secret; and a processing unit disposed in the body and coupled to the memory, the processing unit to: read authentication information from the first process control device; perform a comparison to compare the authentication information to the first secret; authenticate the first process control device based on the comparison; determine whether a request or command associated with a first operator has been received; generate and provide a second secret to a second operator; receive an action from the second operator to return the second secret to the first operator or to the security module; authorize the first control device to process the request or command when the second secret is returned; and enable the second process control device to operate after being coupled to the module after the module is removed from the first process control device without authenticating the second process control device.