Abstract: Techniques for secure generation of a seed for use in performing one or more cryptographic operations, utilizing a seed generation protocol carried out by a seed generation client (110c) and a seed generation server (110s). The seed generation server (110s) provides a first string to the seed generation client (110c). The seed generation client (110c) generates a second string, encrypts the second string utilizing a key (216), and sends the encrypted second string to the seed generation server (110s). The seed generation client (110c) generates the seed as a function of at least the first string and the second string. The seed generation server (110s) decrypts the encrypted second string (222) and independently generates the seed as a function of at least the first string and the second string.

Abstract: In an embodiment of a system and method according to the present invention, a chain of one or more certificates certifying a principal's public key is exchanged for a single substitute certificate. The substitute certificate is used as a replacement for the certificate chain. The substitute certificate is useful for authentication of the principal. In one embodiment, an authentication server exchanges the certificates. The substitute certificate is signed by the authentication server and used for authentication and communication with principals that have knowledge of and trust the authentication server. In one embodiment the substitute certificate also includes the principal's access information.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and apparatus for securely accessing and providing information including the use of a personal security device on a client where the client is subject to compromise.