Patent ID: 7552322
Filing Date: 2009-06-23
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
1. A method for using a portable security token to facilitate public key certification for a target device in a network, comprising: bringing the portable security token in close physical proximity to the target device, wherein the portable security token is a portable device that communicates with network devices through a location-limited communication channel, and wherein the portable security token has previously agreed upon a key with a certification authority (CA), wherein the location-limited channel has a demonstrative identification property and an authenticity property; receiving an authenticator for the target device at the portable security token through the location-limited communication channel; forming a ticket by digitally signing the authenticator, wherein the signing involves using the key that was previously agreed upon by the portable security token and the CA; and sending the ticket to the target device, whereby the target device subsequently presents the ticket to the CA to prove that the target device is authorized to receive a credential from the CA; wherein the portable security token, the target device, and the CA are different from one another.