Patent ID: 8683206

Claim:
A method of authenticating data files, comprising: providing a plurality of software part files and a manifest file associated with the software part files, the manifest file identifying each of the plurality of software part files, wherein a vehicle control module of a vehicle manages operation of a defined vehicle function through the plurality of software part files; associating the manifest file with a manifest detached digital signature; digitally signing the manifest file with the manifest detached digital signature, wherein the manifest detached digital signature authenticates the manifest file; associating each of the plurality of software part files with one of a plurality of unique detached digital signatures; providing a detached digital signature file that contains the plurality of unique detached digital signatures and the manifest detached digital signature; digitally signing each of the plurality of software part files with one of the plurality of unique detached digital signatures, wherein each of the plurality of unique detached digital signatures authenticates one of the plurality of software part files; and providing a license file that includes a license signature, wherein the manifest file includes a license flag that is an indication that a license is needed to download the software part files.