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Method and hybrid system for authenticating communications

  • US 7,552,321 B2
  • Filed: 11/20/2003
  • Issued: 06/23/2009
  • Est. Priority Date: 11/20/2003
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A hybrid authentication system for securing digital communications in a network and enabling a global enterprise, comprising:

  • a distributed authentication infrastructure including a plurality of nodes in communication with each other, each of said plurality of nodes having an identification and intended to perform a series of functions, one of said series of functions for verifying said identification of said plurality of nodes; and

    a centralized authentication infrastructure integrated into said distributed authentication infrastructure and including a central server, said central server being coupled to said plurality of nodes and being utilized for verifying said identification of said plurality of nodes, wherein said central server can be utilized for supporting or replacing at least one of said plurality of nodes;

    wherein said distributed authentication infrastructure is initially implemented and said centralized authentication infrastructure is later integrated into said distributed authenticated infrastructure;

    wherein said distributed authentication infrastructure is selected from the group consisting of a threshold cryptography service model and a web-of-trust service model;

    wherein said centralized authentication system is selected from the group consisting of a public key infrastructure and a kerberos service model;

    wherein said plurality of nodes include at least one of a personal digital assistant, a digital pager, a digital fax machine, a video teleconferencing device, a wireless telephone, a portable computer, a desktop computer, and a communication device, wherein said plurality of nodes includes a verifying node coupled to a new entity for verifying the identification of said new entity and enrolling said new entity into the hybrid authentication system and wherein said verifying node signs a certificate related to said new entity and said central server publishes a certificate revocation list, said verifying node examining said certificate revocation list for determining whether said certificate has been revoked.

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