US 6,151,677 A · Programmable telecommunications security module for key encryption adaptable for tokenless use

Abstract

A security module that is preferably tokenless and is used in telephone communications (e.g., cellular) to secure a transmitted bit stream. The module provides traffic encryption, key exchange, key protection, and algorithm protection. The module provides encryption and key processing using a programmable information security architecture (PISA). Preferably, the module does not use a physical device, such as a key or a card, to unlock the security features, and preferably, the security features all reside within the security module and not on a physical device, such as a key or a card. Instead, a personal identification number (PIN) is used to unlock the security features.

Claims23

Dependent claims

A telephone security module comprising:

identification code input means for receiving an identification code;
data input means for receiving data to be encrypted;
a first processor containing secured key management data, said key management data comprising key exchange software and traffic encryption software,
said first processor for validating said identification code, for providing said key exchange software to a second processor, and for providing said traffic encryption software to an encryption engine,
said second processor for performing key exchange to establish a secure communications link, and for processing said received data into digital data,
said encryption engine for encrypting said digital data to provide output data for transmission;
and
output means for transmitting said output data to a telephony network.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Programmable telecommunications security module for key encryption adaptable for tokenless use

Life of this patent

Programmable telecommunications security module for key encryption adaptable for tokenless use

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims23