Patent ID: 6108425
Filing Date: 2000-08-22
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
A method for initializing an information handling system controlled by a first private signature key and a second private signature key, said first and second private signature keys having corresponding first and second public verification keys, said second private signature key being held by an initialization authority, said method comprising the steps of:receiving a first message containing first initialization information for said system and a first digital signature generated on said first message using said first private signature key;verifying said first digital signature using said first public verification key;accepting said first initialization information only if said first digital signature is verified as being a valid signature using said first public verification key;receiving a second message containing said second public verification key and a second digital signature generated on said second message using said first private signature key;verifying said second digital signature using said first public verification key;accepting said second public verification key only if said second digital signature is verified as being a valid signature using said first public verification key;receiving a third message containing additional initialization information for said system and a third digital signature generated on said third message using said second private signature key;verifying said third digital signature using said second public verification key; andaccepting said additional initialization information only if said third digital signature is verified as being a valid signature using said second public verification key.