Electronic identifiers for network terminal devices

A device for generating an electronic identifier for a single-chip network interface unit (NIU) connected to a data network, for use in detecting unauthorized decryption by the network interface unit of encrypted data transmitted over the data network, said device comprising:

• a random number generator contained on the single chip with the NIU and forming a component of the NIU for generating a random number comprising a private key for use by the NIU in decrypting received encrypted data from the data network;
• a memory connected to said random number generator and formed on said single chip;
• means for storing said generated random number in said memory so that said stored random number is inaccessible outside of the NIU, said storing means being connected between said random number generator and said memory;
• means for calculating a public key from the private decryption key in accordance with a non-invertible mathematical formula;
• means for determining whether said calculated public key is unique;
• and
• means for storing, in a database accessible by the data network, at least a portion of the unique calculated public key.