Patent ID: 7673333

Claim:
A method of authenticating an individual for allowing access to secure data or secure keys stored on a communication network when a secure key associated with the individual and stored on a central key-server is not available, comprising: determining a presence of a portable data storage device in communication with a computer that is in communication with the communication network; determining that a secure key associated with the individual stored on the central key-server is not available; when the portable data storage device is in communication with the computer, determining the availability of a secure key associated with the individual stored on a second key-server, the second key server being other than the central key-server, the second key server supporting communication with the computer; and upon determining that the secure key associated with the individual and stored on the second key-server is not available, authenticating the individual for access to secure data and/or secure keys stored on the portable data storage device when the portable data storage device is in communication with the computer.