Method and Apparatus for Remote Administration of Cryptographic Devices

An apparatus comprising:

• a cryptographic device having a processor coupled to a memory;
• wherein the cryptographic device is configured to receive a code generated by the authentication server;
• and
• wherein the cryptographic device is further configured to authenticate the code generated by the authentication server, and responsive to authentication of the code, to perform at least one operation.

A method of controlling the performance of at least one operation in a cryptographic device in a system comprising an authentication server, the method comprising the steps of:

• generating a code in the authentication server;
• and
• providing the generated code to the cryptographic device;
• wherein the code is authenticated in the cryptographic device, and responsive to authentication of the code, the cryptographic device performs said at least one operation.

A system comprising:

• a plurality of cryptographic devices;
• and
• an authentication server;
• wherein the authentication server is configured to generate a code;
• and
• wherein a given one of the cryptographic devices is configured to authenticate the code generated by the authentication server, and responsive to authentication of the code, to perform at least one operation.