Abstract: A system and method for creating a target cryptographic key. In one embodiment the system includes a first cryptographic module including a first cryptographic key, and a loader including a second cryptographic key, a communications port for the first cryptographic module; and a communication link for transmitting the target cryptographic key. When the first cryptographic module is connected with the communications port of the loader, the first cryptographic module loads the second cryptographic key and creates the target cryptographic key in response to the first cryptographic key and the second cryptographic key. In one embodiment the method of creating a cryptographic key, includes the steps of: loading a second cryptographic key into a first cryptographic module; calculating, by the first cryptographic module, a target cryptographic key in response to a first cryptographic key and a second cryptographic key; and loading the target cryptographic key to a loader.