Method and apparatus for secure distribution of embedded firmware
US9548867B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 26, 2013 |
| Grant date | Jan 17, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 26, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F21/572
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method and apparatus to securely distribute embedded firmware to a module in an industrial control system is disclosed. A security certificate corresponding to the firmware is generated utilizing a proprietary algorithm. The certificate includes an identifier corresponding to the module on which the firmware is to be loaded and an identifier corresponding to a removable medium on which the firmware is distributed. The removable medium is inserted into the module in the industrial control system on which the firmware is to be loaded. The module reads the security certificate and verifies that the firmware is intended for the module and verifies that the security certificate includes the identifier for the removable medium which was inserted into the module. If the firmware is intended for the module and the security certificate includes the identifier for the removable medium, the module loads the firmware from the removable medium.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.