Patent ID: 6473508
Filing Date: 2002-10-29
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
A method for generating a public key and a proof that the key was generated by a specific algorithm comprising the steps of:the user's system generating a random string of bits; the user running a key generation algorithm to get a private signing key, and a corresponding public key using the random string, where said public key can be used to verify digital signatures; the user constructing a proof being a string of bits which provides confidence to another entity that said key was generated properly by the specified algorithm; the user constructing a proof which involves the user engaging in a protocol with said another entity whereby the said another entity repeatedly sends a challenge string and said user sends a response based on the challenge and the public and private keys such that the public availability of said challenges and responses does not compromise the private keys, but at the same time provides confidence to said another entity that said user know's the private key corresponding to the public key that was generated.