Patent ID: 8989386
Filing Date: 2015-03-24
Classification: G05B,H04L

Abstract:
1. A device for providing at least one secure cryptographic key to a control device for performing a cryptographic security function, the device comprising: a first configuration memory storing a configured key provided for the security function, and a processor configured to: receive from the control device a request for a cryptographic key for performing the cryptographic security function, read the configured key from the first configuration memory, based on the read-out configured key, determine whether or not a secure replacement key associated with the read-out configured key is stored in a second configuration memory, if it is determined that no secure replacement key associated with the read-out configured key is identified in the second configuration memory, providing the configured key to the control device for performing the cryptographic security function, and if it is determined that a secure replacement key associated with the read-out configured key is identified in the second configuration memory, providing the secure replacement key to the control device instead of the configured key, wherein the control device is connected to an automation network of an automation system, and wherein for a plurality of different phases of the automation system, different safety requirements are provided for cryptographic keys used by the control device for performing respective security functions of the automation system.