Generating a key hieararchy for use in an isolated execution environment
US6760441B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 31, 2000 |
| Grant date | Jul 6, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 31, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F2221/2105
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
The present invention is a method, apparatus, and system to generate a key hierarchy for use in an isolated execution environment of a protected platform. In order to bind secrets to particular code operating in isolated execution, a key hierarchy comprising a series of symmetric keys for a standard symmetric cipher is utilized. The protected platform includes a processor that is configured in one of a normal execution mode and an isolated execution mode. A key storage stores an initial key that is unique for the platform. A cipher key creator located in the protected platform creates the hierarchy of keys based upon the initial key. The cipher key creator creates a series of symmetric cipher keys to protect the secrets of loaded software code.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.