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US 10,255,420 B2Granted
Configuring cryptographic systems
AssigneeGE Aviation Systems LLC
InventorsDeven J. Anthony, John Jared Creech, David Barnard Pierce, Joseph Bernard Steffler, Jay Robert Pruiett
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Systems and methods for configuring a cryptographic system, such as an avionic data transfer system associated with an aircraft, are provided. More particularly, systems and methods can be used to assemble a cryptographic key configuration (CKC) for use in a cryptographic system. A CKC can include various components for configuration of a cryptographic system. An administrator can generate CKCs for multiple host systems via a user interface (e.g., a graphical user interface) at a terminal and can deliver the CKCs to the host systems via an automated process by way of, for instance, a removable data cartridge.
Claims22
A method for configuring a plurality of cryptographic systems associated with one or more aircraft using one removable data storage device, comprising:
- receiving, by one or more processors associated with a terminal, data indicative of a user specifying a cryptographic key configuration action;
- accessing, by the one or more processors, one or more databases storing cryptographic information;
- generating, by the one or more processors, a plurality of cryptographic key configurations based at least in part on the cryptographic information and the cryptographic key configuration action, wherein the plurality of cryptographic key configurations comprises a cryptographic ignition key, and wherein the cryptographic key configuration action comprises modifying the cryptographic ignition key;
- and
- transferring, by the one or more processors, the plurality of cryptographic key configurations from the terminal to a removable data storage device via a connector comprising one or more pins, the connector configured to provide a mechanical and electrical connection;
- and
- wherein when the removable data storage device is removed from the terminal by disconnecting the connector from the terminal and subsequently interfaced with a first cryptographic system selected from among the plurality of cryptographic systems, the connector of the removable data storage device is configured to provide a mechanical and electrical connection with the first cryptographic system to transmit via the one or more pins a first cryptographic key configuration selected from among the plurality of cryptographic key configurations so as to configure the first cryptographic system.
4 more elements
A terminal for generating a plurality of cryptographic key configurations and configuring a plurality of cryptographic systems using one removable data storage device, the terminal comprising:
- one or more processors;
- and
- one or more memory devices, the one or more memory devices storing computer-readable
- instructions that when executed by the one or more processors cause the one or more processors to perform operations, the operations comprising:
- receiving data indicative of a user specifying a cryptographic key configuration action;
- accessing one or more databases storing cryptographic information;
- generating a plurality of cryptographic key configurations based at least in part on the cryptographic information and the cryptographic key configuration action, wherein the plurality of cryptographic key configurations comprises a cryptographic ignition key and wherein the cryptographic key configuration action comprises modifying the cryptographic ignition key;
- and
- transferring the plurality of cryptographic key configurations to the cryptographic system via a connector of a removable data storage device such that the cryptographic system is configured in accordance with the cryptographic key configuration;
- and
- wherein when the removable data storage device is removed from the terminal by disconnecting the connector from the terminal and subsequently interfaced with a first cryptographic system selected from among the plurality of cryptographic systems, the connector of the removable data storage device is configured to provide a mechanical and electrical connection with the first cryptographic system to transmit via one or more pins a first cryptographic key configuration selected from among the plurality of cryptographic key configurations so as to configure the cryptographic system.
8 more elements
A cryptographic system, comprising:
- a terminal configured to generate a plurality of cryptographic key configurations based at least in part on a user interaction with a user interface, wherein the plurality of cryptographic key configurations comprises a cryptographic ignition key and wherein the cryptographic key configuration action comprises modifying the cryptographic ignition key;
- one removable data storage device configured to receive the plurality of cryptographic key configurations generated by the terminal via a connector;
- and
- a plurality of avionic data transfer systems, each of the plurality of avionic data transfer systems from among the plurality of avionic data transfer systems comprising one or more cryptographic units and configured to interface with the removable data storage device via the connector and to receive a respective cryptographic key configuration corresponding thereto, the respective cryptographic key configuration selected from along the plurality of cryptographic key configurations stored on the removable data storage device, and to load the respective the cryptographic key configuration to the one or more cryptographic units;
- wherein when the removable data storage device is removed from the terminal by disconnecting the connector from the terminal and subsequently interfaced with one of the avionic data transfer systems, the connector of the removable data storage device is configured to provide a mechanical and electrical connection with the avionic data transfer system to transmit via one or more pins the respective cryptographic key configuration so as to configure the avionic data transfer system.
2 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.