Patent ID: 7610247

Claim:
A computed-implemented method for variably generating cryptographic securities for communications, involving a host device, comprising the steps of: cryptographically securing a communication for a first purpose using a first signature; cryptographically securing a communication for a second purpose using a second signature; in a processor, using a cryptographic algorithm of a first type to generate said first signature; using a cryptographic algorithm of a second type in said processor to generate said second signature, said cryptographic algorithms of said first type and said second type, for a same input set, respectively generating different respective outputs from said processor; entering an input set into said processor for a current communication together with an entry designating whether said current communication is for said first purpose or for said second purpose; when said current communication is designated for said first purpose, operating on said input set in said processor for said current communication with said cryptographic algorithm of said first type to secure said current communication with said first signature and emitting said current communication secured with said first signature as a secured communication output from said processor; when said current communication is designated for said second purpose, operating on the same input set in said processor for said current communication with said cryptographic algorithm of said second type to secure said current communication with said second signature and emitting said current communication secured with said second signature as a secured communication output from said processor; in a memory of a postal security device, storing a first program that, when executed, implements said cryptographic algorithm of said first type and providing storing a second program that, when executed, implements said cryptographic algorithm of said second type; employing a hardware unit, outside of and in communication with said postal security device, as said processor; when said current communication is designated for said first purpose, accessing said memory of said postal security device, from said hardware unit and executing said first program in said hardware unit to secure said communication for said first purpose with a first signature produced by said cryptographic algorithm of said first type; and when said current communication is designated for said second purpose, accessing said second program said memory of said postal security device from said hardware unit and, in said hardware unit, executing said second program to secure said second communication for said second purpose with a signature generated by said cryptographic algorithm of said second type.