Patent ID: 6684334
Filing Date: 2004-01-27
Classification: G06Q,G07F

Abstract:
An apparatus for securely establishing a unique cryptographic key in a first cryptographic device, the first cryptographic device having means for entering a key component and a processor for processing electrical signals, said apparatus electrically disposed between the key component entry means and the processor of the first cryptographic device and comprising:a microprocessor in electrical communication with the key component entry means and the processor of the first cryptographic device; means for persistently storing a first key component entered from the key component entry means by a first key custodian, said persistent storage means in electrical communication with said microprocessor; and means for temporarily storing a second key component entered, at a subsequent time, from the key component entry means by a second key custodian; wherein said microprocessor comprises means for combining the first key component stored in said persistent storage means with the second key component to form the unique cryptographic key.