Rfid secure authentication

A method of authenticating, the method comprising:

• encrypting a secret key stored on a first device with a unique identification code of the first device to generate an original authentication signature at the first device;
• storing the original authentication signature in a memory associated with the first device;
• reading the unique identification code from the memory using a second device;
• encrypting a copy of the secret key stored on the second device with the unique identification code of the first device to generate a second authentication signature at the second device;
• comparing the second authentication signature to the original authentication signature;
• and
• determining authenticity of the first device based on a comparison of the second authentication signature and the original authentication signature.

An apparatus, comprising:

• a first memory storing a unique identifier and a password;
• and
• a preparation unit including:
• a communication module configured to communicate with the first memory;
• a second memory configured to store a secret key;
• a processor coupled to the second memory and the communication module, the processor configured to:
• read the unique identifier from the first memory;
• encrypt the secret key with the unique identifier to generate an authentication signature;
• and
• store the authentication signature as the password in the first memory.

A system for authenticating a surgical instrument, the system comprising:

• a surgical instrument including:
• a first memory configured to store a unique identifier;
• and
• a password module configured to store a password;
• and
• an authentication unit, including:
• a communication module configured to communicate with the first memory;
• a second memory configured to store a secret key;
• a processor coupled to the second memory and the communication module, the processor configured to:
• read the unique identifier from the first memory;
• encrypt the secret key with the unique identifier to generate an authentication signature;
• transmit the authentication signature to the password module;
• and
• receive a verification status from the password module in response to the authentication signature matching the password.