Client authentication device and methods thereof

A method, comprising:

• receiving a request to authenticate a client device via a network;
• in response to receiving the request:
• retrieving an authentication key from a storage module at the client device via an interconnect that is protected from external probing;
• using the authentication key to determine an authentication result;
• and
• communicating the authentication result via the network.

A device, comprising:

• a network interface module configured to receive an authentication request from a network;
• a processor;
• a memory coupled to the processor via a bus, the memory comprising a write enable input configured to place the memory in a writeable state based on a signal at the write enable input;
• and
• a first integrated circuit package, comprising:
• a storage module configured to store an authentication key;
• and
• an authentication module configured to access the authentication key and to determine an authentication result based on the authentication key in response to the authentication request;
• and
• a tamper module coupled to the authentication module, the tamper module configured to detect tampering of the memory, and further configured to provide control information to the authentication module indicating if the memory has been tampered.

A device, comprising:

• a network interface configured to receive an authentication request via a network;
• a processor coupled to the network interface, the processor configured to execute authentication software in response to the authentication request, the authentication software configured to determine an authentication result based on an authentication key;
• an interconnect coupled to the processor, the interconnect configured to be shielded from external probing;
• and
• a storage module coupled to the interconnect, the storage module configured to store the authentication key.