Patent ID: 8166289

Claim:
A method for booting with multi-layered security that cryptographically processes information, the method comprising: loading a default image into a field-programmable logic chip (FPLC), wherein: the default image prevents the FPLC from passing information from a first port to a second port, the default image includes a first algorithm that is unclassified by the government, and the default image allows operational software to function; loading a multi-layered key, wherein: a first layer of the multilayer key is stored separate from a second layer of the multilayer key, and the first and second layers are used to formulate the multi-layer key; decrypting a protected image using the multi-layered key and the first algorithm to produce a decrypted image, wherein the protected image is encrypted; loading the decrypted image into the FPLC; and performing cryptographic processing using the decrypted image and a second algorithm, which is classified by the government, wherein the cryptographic processing operates on information passing from the first port to the second port.