Patent ID: 6173402
Filing Date: 2001-01-09
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
In a computing environment capable of having a connection to a public network, computer readable code for protecting data stored by a computer system in said environment, comprising:an encryption algorithm to encrypt the data to be stored, wherein said encryption algorithm uses an input key;a decryption algorithm to decrypt the stored data for processing, wherein said decryption algorithm uses said input key and wherein operation of said decryption algorithm results in restoration of said data to be stored;a subprocess for prompting a user of said computer system for a first value, wherein said first value identifies said user and verifies that said user is entitled to access said data;a subprocess for retrieving a second value from said computer system without input from said user, wherein said second value is comprised of at least one immutable characteristic of said computer system; anda subprocess for combining said first value and said second value as said input key.