Patent ID: 7512939
Filing Date: 2009-03-31
Classification: G06F,G07B

Abstract:
1. A method of updating software stored in a remote postage meter, the method comprising: computing a hash of initial software stored in the remote postage meter; cryptographically signing the hash with a private key of the remote postage meter; providing the signed hash to a server; receiving cryptographically-signed data from the server, the data comprising a software update and the hash, using a public key of the server, decrypting the cryptographically-signed data; verifying the source of the software update by confirming that the hash included in the cryptographically-signed data matches the computed hash of the initial software; verifying the validity of the software update by confirming that a serial number of the remote postage meter matches a serial number embedded within the software update; and installing the software update in the remote postage meter.