Patent ID: 7016494

Claim:
A method of providing cryptographic parameters for use in cryptographic applications in response to requests therefor, comprising the steps of: pre-computing one or more different types of sets of cryptographic parameters, each said type of set being adapted for use by an associated type of cryptographic application, and each said type of set including an associated modulus n having an associated length L, each said modulus n being a composite number generated from the product of an associated number k of randomly generated distinct prime number values p 1 , p 2 , . . . p k , wherein k≧2; securely storing said pre-computed sets of cryptographic parameters in a memory storage unit; receiving a request for a set of cryptographic parameters having specified characteristics for use in a particular cryptographic application, said characteristics including a specified length of a requested modulus and a specified number of prime number values constituting prime factors of said requested modulus; determining one of said sets of cryptographic parameters stored In said memory storage unit that has specified characteristics; accessing said determined set of cryptographic parameters from said memory storage unit; and providing said determined set of cryptographic parameters with minimal latency.