Patent ID: 7325133
Filing Date: 2008-01-29
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. A system for authenticating a second device operatively coupled to a communications network to a first device operatively coupled to the communications network, wherein the first device is operatively coupled to a first key database, wherein the second device is operatively coupled to a second key database, wherein the first key database stores a plurality of cryptographic keys and the second key database stores a plurality of cryptographic keys, the system comprising: a physical token adapted to be operatively coupled to the first device, the physical token comprising a unique identifier; first software adapted to be installed on the first device to send a first challenge to the second device, the first challenge comprising a first random number encrypted using a first key selected from the first key database, the first challenge further comprising the unique identifier; and second software adapted to be installed on the second device to perform the steps of: wherein the first software, when installed in the first device, decrypts the second random number using a fourth key selected from the first key database; and wherein the first software, when installed in the first device, authenticates the second device if the first software determines that the second challenge is authentic.