Patent ID: 8122482
Filing Date: 2012-02-21
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. A method for secure network device policy configuration, the method comprising the computer-implemented steps of: storing a mapping between a group identifier and a particular cryptographic key, wherein the group identifier identifies a group of three or more network devices; intercepting, at an intermediary network device, one or more data packets that (a) are addressed to a destination device other than the intermediary network device, (b) collectively contain a request, and (c) collectively contain the group identifier; selecting, from among one or more cryptographic keys that are stored at the intermediary network device, the particular cryptographic key that is mapped to the group identifier; determining whether a mutual authentication process is successful between the intermediary network device and an upstream device that sent the one or more data packets toward to the intermediary network device; and in response to determining that the mutual authentication process is successful between the intermediary network device and the upstream device, configuring, based on the request, a policy of the intermediary network device.