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Portable data storage device having a secure mode of operation

DC
  • US 6,880,054 B2
  • Filed: 03/09/2001
  • Issued: 04/12/2005
  • Est. Priority Date: 02/21/2000
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A method of preparing a portable data storage device having a secure operation mode for use as a software authentication device, the method comprising the steps of:

  • activating the secure operation mode of the portable data storage device;

    communicatively coupling the portable data storage device to a data bus of a computer system via a universal serial bus (USB) port or a IEEE 1394 (Firewire) port;

    running a set-up program installed on the computer system to initiate a password set-up procedure;

    responsive to a request for password entry presented by the password set-up procedure, entering a unique password corresponding to a specific copy of an end-user software package that is to be supplied with the portable data storage device;

    encrypting the unique password; and

    storing the encrypted unique password in the portable data storage device;

    wherein an end-user can subsequently use the portable data storage device having the encrypted unique password stored therein to authenticate the specific copy of the end-user software package.

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