Patent ID: 6064989
Filing Date: 2000-05-16
Classification: G07B,H04L

Abstract:
An apparatus for synchronizing cryptographic keys, the apparatus comprising:a first module including a universal key;a second module having stored therein a unique identifier and a unique key and wherein the unique key is derived from the unique identifier and the universal key and incorporated into the second module during manufacture of the second module, the second module being in communication with the first module; andcontrol means for performing the following subsequent to manufacture of the first module and the second module:initiating a communication session between the first module and the second module;transmitting the unique identifier from the second module to the first module; andderiving the unique key in the first module using the unique identifier and the universal key so that the unique key exists in both the first module and the second module; andwherein:the universal key is one of a plurality of universal keys where each universal key is associated with a respective one of a plurality of domains of first modules, the first module is associated with a predetermined one of the plurality of domains;the unique key is one of a plurality of unique keys each of which are stored within the second module, the plurality of unique keys correspond to the plurality of domains, respectively; andthe first module selects for use in subsequent communication the unique key in the second module that corresponds to the predetermined one of the plurality of domains.