Personal access management system

• US 5,694,472 A
• Filed: 02/13/1995
• Issued: 12/02/1997
• Est. Priority Date: 02/13/1995
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Cyphercomm Incorporated
• Original Assignee: ETA Technologies Corp.
• Inventors: Johnson, William Cedric, McMullen, Charles C.
• Primary Examiner(s): Barron, Jr., Gilberto
• Application Number:
  US08/388,276
• Time in Patent Office: 1,023 Days
• Field of Search: 380/3, 380/4, 380/23-25
• US Class Current: 713/189
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 21/31 User authentication
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 21/6218 to a system of files or objects, e.g. local or distributed file system or database

Abstract

A multi-component system for linking a user to a product or service provider includes a user processing device, a storage device, and a provider device. The storage device stores provider-specific application software, user-specific data, and a file management program. The storage device and the processing device are coupled to each other to form a user device which communicates with the provider device. Under direction of the file management program, the processing device carries out a recognition methodology which determines whether the processing device and the storage device are authorized to operate with each other. This aspect of the system makes it possible to render the storage device operable only with a specific user processing device, referred to as the principal processing device. This, in turn, reduces the possibility of fraud since the storage device cannot be used without the principal processing device. Once it is determined that the processing and storage devices are authorized to interact with each other, the processing device executes the provider-specific application software to exchange information with the provider device. Together, the user and provider devices implement unique recognition and comprehension methodologies to ensure that the parties are authorized to communicate with each other and to ensure that the information exchanged cannot be understood by third parties. Overall, the system provides a highly secure mechanism for transferring information from one party to another.

Claims

1. In a system having a processing device and a storage device, the storage device having a set of instructions and a file stored thereon, a method for coordinating access to said file, comprising the steps of:

accessing by the processing device said set of instructions stored on the storage device; and

executing by the processing device said set of instructions to carry out the steps of;

retrieving file access coordination parameters from both the storage device and the processing device;

processing said parameters to determine whether the processing device is authorized to access said file stored on the storage device; and

denying access to said file in response to a determination that the processing device is not authorized to access said file,

wherein the processing device further performs the steps of;

deriving a set of new file access coordination parameters; and

storing at least a subset of said new file access coordination parameters into the storage device for use in coordinating access to said file in a future session.

2. In a system having a processing device and a storage device, the storage device having a set of instructions and a file stored thereon, a method for coordinating access to said file, comprising the steps of:

accessing by the processing device said set of instructions stored on the storage device; and

executing by the processing device said set of instructions to carry out the steps of;

retrieving file access coordination parameters from both the storage device and the processing device;

processing said parameters to determine whether the processing device is authorized to access said file stored on the storage device; and

denying access to said file in response to a determination that the processing device is not authorized to access said file,

wherein the step of retrieving file access coordination parameters comprises the steps of;

retrieving an operational key file name and a file identification code from the storage device; and

retrieving a key code, using said operational key file name as an index, from the processing device.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the step of processing said parameters comprises the steps of:

processing said file identification code using said key code to derive a processed file identification code; and

comparing said processed file identification code with a reference code stored on the storage device to determine whether the processing device is authorized to access said file.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the step of processing said file identification code comprises the step of:

encrypting said file identification code using said key code as an encryption key.

5. In a system having a processing device and a storage device, the storage device having a set of instructions and a file stored thereon, said set of instructions having an unencrypted portion and an encrypted portion, a method for coordinating access to said file, comprising the steps of:

accessing by the processing device said unencrypted portion of said instructions;

executing by the processing device said unencrypted portion of said instructions to carry out the step of;

decrypting said encrypted portion of said instructions to derive a set of decrypted instructions; and

executing by the processing device said decrypted instructions to carry out the steps of;

retrieving file access coordination parameters from both the storage device and the processing device;

processing said parameters to determine whether the processing device is authorized to access said file stored on the storage device; and

denying access to said file in response to a determination that the processing device is not authorized to access said file.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the processing device further performs the steps of:

deriving a set of new file access coordination parameters; and

storing at least a subset of said new file access coordination parameters into the storage device for use in coordinating access to said file in a future session.

7. The method of claim 5, wherein the step of decrypting said encrypted portion of said instructions comprises the steps of:

retrieving an operational key file name from the storage device;

retrieving, using said operational key file name as an index, a key code from the processing device; and

decrypting said encrypted portion of said instructions using said key code as a decryption key to derive said set of decrypted instructions.

8. The method of claim 5, wherein the step of retrieving file access coordination parameters comprises the steps of:

retrieving an operational key file name and a file identification code from the storage device; and

retrieving, using said operational key file name as an index, a key code from the processing device.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the step of processing said parameters comprises the steps of:

processing said file identification code using said key code to derive a processed file identification code; and

comparing said processed file identification code with a reference code stored on the storage device to determine whether the processing device is authorized to access said file.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the step of processing said file identification code comprises the step of:

encrypting said file identification code using said key code as an encryption key.

11. In a system having a processing device and a storage device, a method for coordinating access to a file stored on the storage device, comprising the steps of:

retrieving from the storage device an operational key file name and a file identification code;

retrieving, using said operational key file name as an index, a key code from the processing device;

processing said file identification code using said key code to derive a processed file identification code; and

comparing said processed file identification code with a reference code stored on the storage device to determine whether the processing device is authorized to access said file.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising the step of:

denying access to said file in response to a determination that said processed file identification code is inconsistent with said reference code.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein the step of processing said file identification code comprises the step of:

encrypting said file identification code using said key code as an encryption key.

14. The method of claim 11, further comprising the steps of:

deriving a set of new file access coordination parameters; and

storing at least a subset of said new file access coordination parameters into the storage device for use in coordinating access to said file in a future session.

15. The method of claim 11, further comprising the steps of:

storing a new operational key file name onto the storage device; and

storing a new reference code onto the storage device.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising the steps of:

retrieving from the storage device said new operational key file name and said file identification code;

retrieving, using said new operational key file name as an index, a new key code from the processing device;

processing said file identification code using said new key code to derive a new processed file identification code; and

comparing said new processed file identification code with said new reference code to determine whether the processing device is authorized to access said file.

17. The method of claim 11, further comprising the steps of:

retrieving a new operational key file name and a corresponding new key code from the processing device;

processing said file identification code using said new key code to derive a new reference code; and

storing said new operational key file name and said new reference onto the storage device for use in coordinating access to said file in a future session.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising the steps of:

retrieving from the storage device said new operational key file name and said file identification code;

retrieving, using said new operational key file name as an index said new key code from the processing device;

processing said file identification code using said new key code to derive a new processed file identification code; and

comparing said new processed file identification code with said new reference code to determine whether the processing device is authorized to access said file.

19. In a system having a processing device and a storage device, said storage device having a file and an encrypted file access parameter table stored thereon, a method for coordinating access to said file, comprising the steps of:

decrypting said parameter table to derive a decrypted parameter table;

extracting from said decrypted parameter table an operational key file name, a file identification code, and a reference code associated with said file;

retrieving, using said operational key file name as an index, a key code from the processing device;

processing said file identification code using said key code to derive a processed file identification code; and

comparing said processed file identification code with said reference code to determine whether the processing device is authorized to access said file.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the step of processing said file identification code comprises the step of:

encrypting said file identification code using said key code as an encryption key.

21. The method of claim 19, wherein the step of decrypting said encrypted parameter table comprises the steps of:

retrieving from the storage device a second operational key file name;

retrieving, using said second operational key file name as an index, a second key code from the processing device; and

decrypting said encrypted parameter table using said second key code as a decryption key.

22. The method of claim 19, further comprising the steps of:

storing a new operational key file name in said decrypted parameter table; and

storing a new reference code in said decrypted parameter table.

23. The method of claim 22, further comprising the steps of:

encrypting information contained in said decrypted parameter table to derive a new encrypted file access parameter table; and

storing said new encrypted parameter table onto the storage device.

24. The method of claim 19, further comprising the steps of:

retrieving a new operational key file name and a corresponding new key code from the processing device;

processing said file identification code using said new key code to derive a new reference code; and

storing said new operational key file name and said new reference code onto the storage device for use in coordinating access to said file in a future session.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein the step of storing said new operational key file name and said new reference code comprises the steps of:

storing said new operational key file name and said new reference code into said decrypted parameter table;

encrypting information contained in said decrypted parameter table to derive a new encrypted file access parameter table; and

storing said new encrypted parameter table onto the storage device.

26. In a system having a processing device and a storage device, said storage device having a processed file stored thereon, a method for extracting de-processed information from said processed file, comprising the steps of:

retrieving from the storage device an operational key file name associated with said processed file;

retrieving, using said operational key file name as an index, a key code from the processing device; and

processing said processed file using said key code to extract a set of de-processed information from said processed file.

27. The method of claim 26, wherein said processed file is an encrypted file, and wherein the step of processing said processed file comprises the step of:

decrypting said processed file using said key code as a decryption key.

28. The method of claim 26, further comprising the following steps, performed prior to the step of retrieving said operational key file name from the storage device:

determining whether the processing device is authorized to access said processed file; and

denying access to said processed file in response to a determination that the processing device is not authorized to access said processed file.

29. The method of claim 26, further comprising the steps of:

processing said de-processed information using a new key code to derive a new processed file; and

storing said new processed file onto the storage device.

30. The method of claim 26, further comprising the steps of:

retrieving a new operational key file name and a corresponding new key code from the processing device;

processing said de-processed information using said new key code to derive a new processed file; and

storing said new processed file onto the storage device.

31. The method of claim 30, further comprising the step of:

storing said new operational key file name onto the storage device.

32. The method of claim 30, wherein the step of processing said de-processed information comprises the step of:

encrypting said de-processed information using said new key code as an encryption key.

38. The method of claim 26, further comprising the steps of:

retrieving a new operational key file name and a corresponding new key code from the processing device;

processing said de-processed information using said new key code to derive a new processed file; and

storing said new processed file onto the storage device.

39. The method of claim 38, further comprising the steps of:

storing said new operational key file name into said decrypted parameter table;

encrypting information contained in said decrypted parameter table to derive a new encrypted parameter table; and

storing said new encrypted parameter table onto the storage device.

40. The method of claim 38, wherein the step of processing said de-processed information comprises the step of:

encrypting said de-processed information using said new key code as an encryption key.

33. In a system having a processing device and a storage device, said storage device having a processed file and an encrypted parameter tabs stored thereon, a method for extracting de-processed information from said processed file, comprising the steps of:

decrypting said encrypted parameter table to derive a decrypted parameter table;

extracting from said decrypted parameter table an operational key file name associated with said processed file;

retrieving, using said operational key file name as an index, a key code from the processing device; and

processing said processed file using said key code to extract a set of de-processed information from said processed file.

34. The method of claim 33, wherein said processed file is an encrypted file, and wherein the step of processing said processed file comprises the step of:

decrypting said processed file using said key code as a decryption key.

35. The method of claim 33, wherein the step of decrypting said encrypted parameter table comprises the steps of:

retrieving from the storage device a second operational key file name;

retrieving, using said second operational key file name as an index, a second key code from the processing device; and

decrypting said encrypted parameter table using said second key code as a decryption key.

36. The method of claim 33, further comprising the steps of:

determining whether the processing device is authorized to access said processed file; and

denying access to said processed file in response to a determination that the processing device is not authorized to access said processed file.

37. The method of claim 33, further comprising the steps of:

processing said de-processed information using a new key code to derive a new processed file; and

storing said new processed file onto the storage device.

41. A storage device for interacting with a processing device, said storage device comprising:

a first storage unit for storing a file;

a second storage unit for storing a first set of file access parameters;

means for causing the processing device to retrieve said first set of file access parameters;

means for causing the processing device to retrieve a second set of file access parameters from the processing device;

means for causing the processing device to process said first and second sets of file access parameters to determine whether the processing device is authorized to access said file; and

means for causing the processing device to deny access to said file in response to a determination that the processing device is not authorized to access said file.

42. A storage device for interacting with a processing device, said storage device comprising:

a first storage unit for storing a file;

a second storage unit for storing an operational key file name, a file identification code, and a reference code;

means for causing the processing device to retrieve said operational key file name and said file identification code;

means for causing the processing device to retrieve, using said operational key file name as an index, a key code from the processing device;

means for causing the processing device to process said file identification code using said key code to derive a processed file identification code; and

means for causing the processing device to compare said processed file identification code with said reference code to determine whether the processing device is authorized to access said file.

43. The storage device of claim 42, further comprising:

means for causing the processing device to derive a set of new file access parameters; and

means for causing the processing device to store at least a subset of said new file access parameters into said second storage unit for use in coordinating access to said file in a future session.

44. The storage device of claim 42, further comprising:

means for causing the processing device to store a new operational key file name into said second storage unit; and

means for causing the processing device to store a new reference code into said second storage unit.

45. The storage device of claim 42, further comprising:

means for causing the processing device to retrieve a new operational key file name and a corresponding new key code from the processing device;

means for causing the processing device to process said file identification code using said new key code to derive a new reference code; and

means for causing the processing device to store said new operational key file name and said new reference code into said second storage unit for use in coordinating access to said file in a future session.

46. A storage device for interacting with a processing device, said storage device having a file and an encrypted file access parameter table stored thereon, said storage device comprising:

means for causing the processing device to decrypt said encrypted parameter table to derive a decrypted parameter table;

means for causing the processing device to extract from said decrypted parameter table an operational key file name, a file identification code, and a reference code associated with said file;

means for causing the processing device to retrieve, using said operational key file name as an index, a key code from the processing device;

means for causing the processing device to process said file identification code using said key code to derive a processed file identification code; and

means for causing the processing device to compare said processed file identification code with said reference code to determine whether the processing device is authorized to access said file.

47. The storage device of claim 46, further comprising:

means for causing the processing device to derive a set of new file access parameters;

means for causing the processing device to store at least a subset of said new file access parameters into said decrypted parameter table;

means for causing the processing device to encrypt information contained in said decrypted parameter table to derive a new encrypted parameter table; and

means for causing the processing device to store said new encrypted parameter table into said second storage unit.

48. The storage device of claim 46, further comprising:

means for causing the processing device to store a new operational key file name and a new reference code into said decrypted parameter table;

means for causing the processing device to encrypt information contained in said decrypted parameter table to derive a new encrypted parameter table; and

means for causing the processing device to store said new encrypted parameter table into said second storage unit.

49. The storage device of claim 46, further comprising:

means for causing the processing device to retrieve a new operational key file name and a corresponding new key code from the processing device;

means for causing the processing device to process said file identification code using said new key code to derive a new reference code; and

means for causing the processing device to store said new operational key file name and said new reference code into said second storage unit for use in coordinating access to said file in a future session.

50. The storage device of claim 46, further comprising:

means for causing the processing device to retrieve a new operational key file name and a corresponding new key code from the processing device;

means for causing the processing device to process said file identification code using said new key code to derive a new reference code;

means for causing the processing device to store said new operational key file name and said new reference code into said decrypted parameter table;

means for causing the processing device to encrypt information contained in said decrypted parameter table to derive a new encrypted parameter table; and

means for causing the processing device to store said new encrypted parameter table into said second storage unit.

51. A storage device for interacting with a processing device, said storage device comprising:

a first storage unit for storing a processed file;

a second storage unit for storing an operational key file name associated with said processed file;

means for causing the processing device to retrieve said operational key file name;

means for causing the processing device to retrieve, using said operational key file name as an index, a key code from the processing device; and

means for causing the processing device to process said processed file using said key code to extract a set of de-processed information from said processed file.

52. The storage device of claim 51, further comprising:

means for causing the processing device to determine whether the processing device is authorized to access said processed file; and

means for causing the processing device to deny access to said processed file in response to a determination that the processing device is not authorized to access said processed file.

53. The storage device of claim 51, further comprising:

means for causing the processing device to process said de-processed information using a new key code to derive a new processed file; and

means for causing the processing device to store said new processed file into said first storage unit.

54. The storage device of claim 51, further comprising:

means for causing the processing device to retrieve a new operational key file name and a corresponding new key code from the processing device;

means for causing the processing device to process said de-processed information using said new key code to derive a new processed file; and

means for causing the processing device to store said new processed file into said first storage unit.

55. The storage device of claim 54, further comprising:

means for causing the processing device to store said new operational key file name into said second storage unit.

56. A storage device for interacting with a processing device, said storage device comprising:

a first storage unit for storing a processed file;

a second storage unit for storing an encrypted parameter table;

means for causing the processing device to decrypt said encrypted parameter table to derive a decrypted parameter table;

means for causing the processing device to extract from said decrypted parameter table an operational key file name associated with said processed file;

means for causing the processing device to retrieve, using said operational key file name as an index, a key code from the processing device; and

means for causing the processing device to process said processed file using said key code to extract a set of de-processed information from said processed file.

57. The storage device of claim 56, further comprising:

means for causing the processing device to determine whether the processing device is authorized to access said processed file; and

means for causing the processing device to deny access to said processed file in response to a determination that the processing device is not authorized to access said processed file.

58. The storage device of claim 56, further comprising:

means for causing the processing device to process said de-processed information using a new key code to derive a new processed file; and

means for causing the processing device to store said new processed file into said first storage unit.

59. The storage device of claim 56, further comprising:

means for causing the processing device to retrieve a new operational key file name and a corresponding new key code from the processing device;

means for causing the processing device to process said de-processed information using said new key code to derive a new processed file; and

means for causing the processing device to store said new processed file into said first storage unit.

60. The storage device of claim 59, further comprising:

means for causing the processing device to store said new operational key file name into said decrypted parameter table;

means for causing the processing device to encrypt information contained in said decrypted parameter table to derive a new encrypted parameter table; and

means for causing the processing device to store said new encrypted parameter table into said second storage unit.

61. A processing assembly, comprising:

a processing device comprising a processor, a memory coupled to said processor having a first set of file access parameters stored therein, and a storage device interface coupled to said processor for receiving one of a number of storage devices; and

a storage device for coupling to said storage device interface, said storage device comprising;

a first storage unit for storing a file;

a second storage unit for storing a second set of file access parameters;

means for causing said processor to retrieve said first and second sets of file access parameters;

means for causing said processor to process said first and second sets of file access parameters to determine whether said processing device is authorized to access said file; and

means for causing said processor to deny access to said file in response to a determination that said processing device is not authorized to access said file.

62. A processing assembly, comprising:

a processing device comprising a processor, a memory coupled to said processor having a a plurality of file access parameters stored therein, and a storage device interface coupled to said processor for receiving one of a number of storage devices; and

a storage device for coupling to said storage device interface, said storage device comprising;

a first storage unit for storing a file;

a second storage unit for storing an operational key file name, a file identification code, and a reference code;

means for causing said processor to retrieve said operational key file name and said file identification code;

means for causing said processor to retrieve, using said operational key file name as an index, a key code from said memory;

means for causing said processor to process said file identification code using said key code to derive a processed the identification code; and

means for causing said processor to compare said processed file identification code with said reference code to determine whether said processing device is authorized to access said file.

63. The processing assembly of claim 62, wherein said storage device further comprises:

means for causing said processor to derive a set of new file access parameters; and

means for causing said processor to store at least a subset of said new file access parameters into said second storage unit for use in coordinating access to said file in a future session.

64. The processing assembly of claim 62, wherein said storage device further comprises:

means for causing said processor to store a new operational key file name into said second storage unit; and

means for causing said processor to store a new reference code into said second storage unit.

65. The processing assembly of claim 62, wherein said storage device further comprises:

means for causing said processor to retrieve a new operational key file name and a corresponding new key code from said memory;

means for causing said processor to process said file identification code using said new key code to derive a new reference code; and

means for causing said processor to store said new operational key file name and said new reference code into said second storage unit for use in coordinating access to said file in a future session.

66. A processing assembly, comprising:

a processing device comprising a processor, a memory coupled to said processor having a a plurality of file access parameters stored therein, and a storage device interface coupled to said processor for receiving one of a number of storage devices; and

a storage device for coupling to said storage device interface, said storage device comprising;

a first storage unit for storing a file;

a second storage unit for storing an encrypted file access parameter table;

means for causing said processor to decrypt said encrypted parameter table to derive a decrypted parameter table;

means for causing said processor to extract from said decrypted parameter table an operational key file name, a file identification code, and a reference code associated with said file;

means for causing said processor to retrieve, using said operational key file name as an index, a key code from said memory;

means for causing said processor to process said file identification code using said key code to derive a processed file identification code; and

means for causing said processor to compare said processed file identification code with said reference code to determine whether said processing device is authorized to access said file.

67. The processing assembly of claim 66, wherein said storage device further comprises:

means for causing said processor to derive a set of new file access parameters;

means for causing said processor to store at least a subset of said new file access parameters into said decrypted parameter table;

means for causing said processor to encrypt information contained in said decrypted parameter table to derive a new encrypted parameter table; and

means for causing said processor to store said new encrypted parameter table into said second storage unit.

68. The processing assembly of claim 66, wherein said storage device further comprises:

means for causing said processor to store a new operational key file name and a new reference code into said decrypted parameter table;

means for causing said processor to encrypt information contained in said decrypted parameter table to derive a new encrypted parameter table; and

means for causing said processor to store said new encrypted parameter table into said second storage unit.

69. The processing assembly of claim 66, wherein said storage device further comprises:

means for causing said processor to retrieve a new operational key file name and a corresponding new key code from said memory;

means for causing said processor to process said file identification code using said new key code to derive a new reference code; and

means for causing said processor to store said new operational key file name and said new reference code into said second storage unit for use in coordinating access to said file in a future session.

70. The processing assembly of claim 66, wherein said storage device further comprises:

means for causing said processor to retrieve a new operational key file name and a corresponding new key code from said memory;

means for causing said processor to process said file identification code using said new key code to derive a new reference code;

means for causing said processor to store said new operational key file name and said new reference code into said decrypted parameter table;

means for causing said processor to encrypt information contained in said decrypted parameter table to derive a new encrypted parameter table; and

means for causing said processor to store said new encrypted parameter table into said second storage unit.

71. A processing assembly, comprising:

a processing device comprising a processor, a memory coupled to said processor having a a plurality of file access parameters stored therein, and a storage device interface coupled to said processor for receiving one of a number of storage devices; and

a storage device for coupling to said storage device interface, said storage device comprising;

a first storage unit for storing a processed file;

a second storage unit for storing an operational key file name associated with said processed file;

means for causing said processor to retrieve said operational key file name;

means for causing said processor to retrieve, using said operational key file name as an index, a key code from said memory; and

means for causing said processor to process said processed file using said key code to extract a set of de-processed information from said processed file.

72. The processing assembly of claim 71, wherein said storage device further comprises:

means for causing said processor to determine whether said processing device is authorized to access said processed file; and

means for causing said processor to deny access to said processed file in response to a determination that said processing device is not authorized to access said processed file.

73. The processing assembly of claim 71, wherein said storage device further comprises:

means for causing said processor to process said de-processed information using a new key code to derive a new processed file; and

means for causing said processor to store said new processed file into said first storage unit.

74. The processing assembly of claim 71, wherein said storage device further comprises:

means for causing said processor to retrieve a new operational key file name and a corresponding new key code from said memory;

means for causing said processor to process said de-processed information using said new key code to derive a new processed file; and

means for causing said processor to store said new processed file into said first storage unit.

75. The processing assembly of claim 74, wherein said storage device further comprises:

means for causing said processor to store said new operational key file name into said second storage unit.

76. A processing assembly, comprising:

a processing device comprising a processor, a memory coupled to said processor having a a plurality of file access parameters stored therein, and a storage device interface coupled to said processor for receiving one of a number of storage devices; and

a storage device for coupling to said storage device interface, said storage device comprising;

a first storage unit for storing a processed file;

a second storage unit for storing an encrypted parameter table;

means for causing said processor to decrypt said encrypted parameter table to derive a decrypted parameter table;

means for causing said processor to extract from said decrypted parameter table an operational key file name associated with said processed file;

means for causing said processor to retrieve, using said operational key file name as an index, a key code from said memory; and

means for causing said processor to process said processed file using said key code to extract a set of de-processed information from said processed file.

77. The processing assembly of claim 76, wherein said storage device further comprises:

means for causing said processor to determine whether said processing device is authorized to access said processed file; and

means for causing said processor to deny access to said processed file in response to a determination that said processing device is not authorized to access said processed file.

78. The processing assembly of claim 76, wherein said storage device further comprises:

means for causing said processor to process said de-processed information using a new key code to derive a new processed file; and

means for causing said processor to store said new processed file into said first storage unit.

79. The processing assembly of claim 76, wherein said storage device further comprises:

means for causing said processor to retrieve a new operational key file name and a corresponding new key code from said memory;

means for causing said processor to process said de-processed information using said new key code to derive a new processed file; and

means for causing said processor to store said new processed file into said first storage unit.

80. The processing assembly of claim 79, wherein said storage device further comprises:

means for causing said processor to store said new operational key file name into said decrypted parameter table;

means for causing said processor to encrypt information contained in said decrypted parameter table to derive a new encrypted parameter table; and

means for causing said processor to store said new encrypted parameter table into said second storage unit.