Method and apparatus for secure cryptographic key generation, certification and use
US7328350B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 5, 2001 |
| Grant date | Feb 5, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 4, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04L2209/56
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A confidential datum, such as a private key used in public key signature systems, is secured in a digital wallet using a “generation camouflaging” technique. With this technique, the private key is not necessarily stored in the digital wallet, not even in an encrypted form. Instead, the wallet contains a private key generation function that reproduces the correct private key when the user inputs his or her pre-selected PIN. If the user inputs an incorrect PIN, an incorrect private key is outputted. Such private key can be configured so that it cannot be readily distinguished from the correct private key through the use of private key formatting, and/or the use of pseudo-public keys corresponding to the private key. The techniques described herein are also applicable to other forms of regeneratable confidential data besides private keys.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.