Computer security system
US5606615A · kind A · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 16, 1995 |
| Grant date | Feb 25, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 16, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG07C9/27
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An improved computer security system including a portable, electronic Key, an Access Device with Touch Pad, a Lock, a Lock Server and Server Device, and a Master Device. The Access Device provides a means to validate the user to the Key. The Lock is physically located with, and connected to the host computer. Improved security is achieved through the use of "throw-away" passwords, which are generated in a random fashion by the Lock Server, and then loaded directly into volatile memory of Keys, but transferred to a Master Device for loading into volatile memory of Locks. These throw-away passwords are used in a process of cross validation between the Lock and Key, a requirement before access to the host computer is granted. A user specific "touch-print" provides a more secure and more user friendly way of preventing the use of Keys by unauthorized persons. Sensors, e.g., photosensors, within the Key, Lock and Master Device guard against physical attacks. Additional security is obtained by locating the Lock external to the host computer, thereby preventing an unauthorized user from defeating the host computer operating system security.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.