CRYPTOGRAPHIC KEY CONTAINERS ON A USB TOKEN
First Claim
1. A method for accessing a cryptographic key, the method comprising:
- receiving, by a processor, an indication to access a cryptographic key;
searching for a universal serial bus (USB) compatible storage device; and
if a USB compatible storage device is found, accessing the cryptographic key on the USB compatible storage device, wherein accessing comprises at least one of storing and retrieving.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A Universal Serial Bus (USB) compatible storage device is utilized as a security token for storage of cryptographic keys. A cryptographic subsystem of a processor accesses cryptographic keys in containers on the USB compatible storage device. Accessing includes storing and/or retrieving. The processor does not include an infrastructure dedicated to the USB compatible storage device. Cryptographic key storage is redirected from an in-processor container to the USB compatible storage device. No password or PIN is required to access the cryptographic keys, yet enhanced security is provided. Utilizing a USB compatible storage device for a cryptographic key container provides a convenient, portable, mechanism for carrying the cryptographic key, and additional security is provided via physical possession of the device.
48 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method for accessing a cryptographic key, the method comprising:
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receiving, by a processor, an indication to access a cryptographic key; searching for a universal serial bus (USB) compatible storage device; and if a USB compatible storage device is found, accessing the cryptographic key on the USB compatible storage device, wherein accessing comprises at least one of storing and retrieving. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A system for implementing a cryptographic key on a universal serial bus (USB) compatible storage device, the system comprising:
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an input/output portion configured to; receive an indication to access a cryptographic key; and a processing portion configured to; search and index for an indication of the USB compatible storage device; and if an indication of the USB compatible storage device is found, access, via a cryptographic programming interface, the cryptographic key on the USB compatible storage device, wherein accessing comprises at least one of storing and retrieving. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15)
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14. A computer-readable medium having stored thereon computer-executable instructions for accessing a cryptographic key on a universal serial bus (USB) compatible storage device by performing the steps of:
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receiving, by a processor, an indication to access a cryptographic key; searching for a USB compatible storage device; and if a USB compatible storage device is found, accessing the cryptographic key on the USB compatible storage device, wherein accessing comprises at least one of storing and retrieving. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification