Method for backing up and erasing encryption keys
First Claim
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1. For secure communication equipment having a first power source and a second power source, a method for ensuring that encryption keys stored in an associated memory are not compromised, the method comprising the steps of:
- (a) sensing that the first power source output has fallen below a first predetermined threshold;
(b) sensing that the second power source output has fallen below a second predetermined threshold; and
(c) initiating a programming sequence to place the associated memory into a predetermined state.
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Abstract
A method for backing up and erasing encryption keys that provides a backup power supply (110) so that keys stored in a memory (104) will not be lost inadvertently, while still permitting keys to be erased, either in response to a low battery condition in the absence of the main supply (101), or in response to an external key erase input (105).
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Citations
9 Claims
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1. For secure communication equipment having a first power source and a second power source, a method for ensuring that encryption keys stored in an associated memory are not compromised, the method comprising the steps of:
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(a) sensing that the first power source output has fallen below a first predetermined threshold; (b) sensing that the second power source output has fallen below a second predetermined threshold; and (c) initiating a programming sequence to place the associated memory into a predetermined state. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A method for backing up and erasing encryption keys, the method comprising:
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(a) monitoring output voltages of a first power source and a second power source; and
, in the event that the first power source falls below a predetermined threshold,(a) entering a backup mode wherein only a memory device having encryption keys stored therein remains under power;
then, in response to the second power source falling below a predetermined threshold,(a) initiating a power-up sequence that applies power to at least an associated microprocessor such that the microprocessor executes a code sequence that places the memory device into a predetermined state; and
, at substantially the same time that the power-up sequence is initiated,(a) removing power from the memory device for a relatively short period of time.
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Specification