Patent ID: 8200760

Claim:
A computer-implemented method of authenticating data and providing a dated audit trail, said method comprising: (a) storing copies of a plurality of data items at a first location; (b) generating a first data file at the end of a predetermined dated audit period, the first data file comprising a respective hash value of each said plurality of stored data items; (c) generating a single hash value of said first data file, the single hash value corresponding to said predetermined dated audit period; (d) transmitting said single hash value to a second location remote from said first location, via an information technology communications network; (e) creating at said remote location a second data file for said predetermined dated audit period, said second data file comprising said single hash value and one or more additional data items relating to said single hash value; (f) generating a hash value for said second data file, said hash value for said second data file corresponding to said predetermined dated audit period; (g) publishing said hash value for said second data file in a dated journal of record published in numerous copies and held in separate public libraries, wherein the published hash value for said second data file corresponds to said predetermined dated audit period; (h) at a date subsequent to the publishing of (g), generating a hash value for said second data file; and (i) comparing the hash value for the second data file generated in (h) with the hash value for said second data file published in said dated journal, whereby if the hash value generated in step (h) is identical to the hash value published in said dated journal said second data file is authenticated.