Removable cryptographic ignition key system and method

A method for conducting secure operations utilizing a removable cryptographic ignition key (CIK), a processor, and a proximity detector, said method comprising:

• receiving said removable CIK by said processor, wherein:
• secure operations are enabled subsequent to receipt of said removable CIK by said processor;
• determining if a distance between said removable CIK and said processor is within a predetermined distance;
• enabling secure operations while said removable CIK is within said predetermined distance of said processor;
• and
• disabling secure operations when a distance between said removable CIK and said processor is greater than said predetermined distance.

A computer readable medium encoded with a computer program code for directing a computer processor to conduct secure operations utilizing a removable cryptographic ignition key (CIK), a secure operations processor, and a proximity detector, said program code comprising:

• a first code segment for causing said computer processor to receive said removable CIK by said secure operations processor, wherein:
• secure operations are enabled subsequent to receipt of said removable CIK by said secure operations processor;
• a second code segment for causing said computer processor to determine if a distance between said removable CIK and said secure operations processor is within a predetermined distance;
• a third code segment for causing said computer processor to enable secure operations while said removable CIK is within said predetermined distance of said secure operations processor;
• and
• a fourth code segment for causing said computer processor to disable secure operations when a distance between said removable CIK and said secure operations processor is greater than said predetermined distance.