Updating data entries stored on a data storage unit from an authority

A method of updating a data entry stored on a data storage unit, the data entry including data elements that are unique to the data storage unit and the data entry, the method comprising at an authority authorized to update the data entry:

• receiving an update request including the data entry;
• extracting the unique data elements from the update request and verifying the authenticity of the data storage unit and data entry from the unique data elements;
• and
• generating an updated data entry including a further data element unique to the updated data entry and derived from the updated data and transmitting the updated data entry to the data storage unit for storage on the data storage unit;
• and
• wherein the data entry includes a data portion and a hash value, the hash value being a product of performing a hashing operation on the data portion and a first secret data item unique to the data storage unit;
• wherein the step of verifying the authenticity of the data storage unit and data entry include extracting the data portion, performing a further hashing operation on the data portion and the first secret data item and comparing a resultant hash value with the hash value included in the data entry.

A method of updating a data entry stored on a data storage unit, the data entry including data elements that are unique to the data storage unit and the data entry, the method comprising the steps of:

• generating, at the data storage unit an update request including the data entry, an ecrypt element and a corresponding hash for transmission to an authority authorised to update the data entry;
• receiving a replacement message from the authority and extracting, from the replacement message, at the data storage unit, an updated data entry, the encrypt element and a second hash and verifying the authenticity of the updated data entry;
• and
• storing the updated data entry on the data storage unit only if the authenticity of the update data entry is verified.

A method of updating a data entry stored on a data storage unit, said updating being performed under the direction of an authority, the method comprising:

• at the authority, receiving, from the data storage unit, an update request including the data entry, an ecrypt element and a corresponding hash;
• extracting data elements from the update request for verifying the authenticity of the data storage unit and data entry;
• generating an updated data entry including a further data element unique to the updated data entry;
• transmitting a replacement message from the authority to the data storage unit, the replacement message comprising the updated data entry, the encrypt element and a second hash.