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Technique for split knowledge backup and recovery of a cryptographic key

  • US 20080031460A1
  • Filed: 02/21/2007
  • Published: 02/07/2008
  • Est. Priority Date: 05/26/1999
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A method for storing and retrieving a cryptographic private key, comprising:

  • calculating a one-way hash value of an initial cryptographic private key;

    generating a plurality of key segments, at least a first of the plurality of key segments being a random number, and at least a second of the plurality of key segments being a combination of the random number and a portion of the initial cryptographic private key;

    distributing each of the plurality of key segments to one of a plurality of trusted users; and

    when the cryptographic private key is to be recovered;

    receiving the plurality of key segments from the plurality of trusted users;

    generating a recovered key from the plurality of key segments;

    calculating a one-way hash value of the recovered key;

    comparing the hash value of the recovered key to the hash value of the initial cryptographic private key; and

    if the hash value of the recovered key is the same as the hash value of the initial cryptographic private key, using the recovered key as the private key in a cryptographic communication system.

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