Self-generation of certificates using secure microprocessor in a device for transferring digital information
US6839841B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 28, 2000 |
| Grant date | Jan 4, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 28, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F2221/2129
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Devices in a telecommunications system are provided with means to self-generate public key pairs and certificates. This eliminates the need for such keys and certificates to be sent to the devices from an outside source so a single-trust approach can be maintained. A manufacturer's certificate is installed into a device it the time of manufacture. The device only issues itself certificates based on a signed request from an external outside server. The device's self-issued certificates incorporate information obtained from the server in a profile. This allows control by the server over a device's self-issued certificates. In order to prevent tampering, and breaking, of the self-issued certificates, the certificate issuing process occurs within a secure microprocessor.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.