Abstract: A proxy detection method includes: in response to receiving, from a client device, a first request to establish a transport-layer connection between the client device and the server, transmitting a first message to the client device according to a first handshake sequence, for establishing the transport-layer connection; determining a first time period associated with completion of the first handshake sequence; in response to receiving, from the client device over the transport-layer connection, a second request to establish a secure link between a client endpoint and the server, transmitting a second message to the client endpoint according to a second predefined handshake sequence, for establishing the secure link; determining a second time period associated with completion of the second handshake sequence; and generating, based on the first time period and the second time period, a score indicating a likelihood that the client device is a proxy for the client endpoint.

Abstract: A device (1) for concentrating solar radiation, having a concentrator means (2) suitable for concentrating solar radiation onto a concentration zone, and a receiver (3) for receiving solar radiation. The receiver (3) is connected to at least one element (4) suitable for deforming under the action of temperature, and referred to as a “thermo-deformable element”, each thermo-deformable element (4), when the radiation coming from the concentrator means (2) is concentrated onto a concentration zone situated on said thermo-deformable element (4), being suitable for changing shape in such manner as to cause the concentration zone to move towards the receiver (3) or as to cause the receiver (3) to move towards the concentration zone, so that the device (1) makes it possible, for a given position of the sun, and under the action of the solar radiation, to move the concentration zone from an initial position situated on a thermo-deformable element (4) to a final equilibrium position situated on the receiver (3).

Abstract: A device (1) for concentrating solar radiation, having a concentrator means (2) suitable for concentrating solar radiation onto a concentration zone, and a receiver (3) for receiving solar radiation. The receiver (3) is connected to at least one element (4) suitable for deforming under the action of temperature, and referred to as a “thermo-deformable element”, each thermo-deformable element (4), when the radiation coming from the concentrator means (2) is concentrated onto a concentration zone situated on said thermo-deformable element (4), being suitable for changing shape in such manner as to cause the concentration zone to move towards the receiver (3) or as to cause the receiver (3) to move towards the concentration zone, so that the device (1) makes it possible, for a given position of the sun, and under the action of the solar radiation, to move the concentration zone from an initial position situated on a thermo-deformable element (4) to a final equilibrium position situated on the receiver (3).

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for determining an encryption key associated with an integrated circuit having a memory plane that includes a matrix of electric contacts on it's surface and a layer of inhomogeneous electric resistivity material disposed on the matrix. An encryption key is determined by the integrated circuit on the basis of the random distribution of the electrical resistances connecting the various electric contacts of the matrix.

Abstract: A method of writing information securely in a portable information medium fitted with a firmware electronic component. According to the invention, information is written in at least two stages on at least two distinct sites, with information depending on the chosen second site being written in a first step at the first site, and with information necessary for operation of medium being written in a second step at the second site. Application to protecting portable media for electronic transactions against theft.

Abstract: Security device for preventing access to confidential information stored in a semiconductor chip, or protected chip. The security device comprises a second semiconductor chip, or protective chip, with the two chips facing each other and being coupled to each other by communication terminals. The protected chip is coupled to external circuits via the protective chip, and the two semiconductor chips are separated by a semiconductor resin having a non-homogeneous electrical resistivity. The protective chip is provided with means for measuring a plurality of resistances through the semiconductor resin and with means for determining, at least from the measured resistances, an encryption key intended to be communicated to the protect chip to protect the confidential information.

Abstract: An electronic micropackage for an electronic memory card, particularly applicable to large-sized semiconductor chips. The micropackage includes a semiconductor chip disposed on a first face of an insulating support, and electrical contact zones extending along a plane defined by a second face of the insulating support. The semiconductor chip is connected to the electrical contact zones via connection wires. A metal strip is provided with cut-outs defining the electrical contact zones. A strip of insulating material is disposed on one face of the metal strip, the strip of insulating material constituting said insulating support, and leaving uncovered, at least in part, the electrical contact zones. A housing for the semiconductor chip, surrounding the insulating support and obstructing those cut-outs in the metal strip which are inside the housing and which are not obstructed by the insulating support.

Abstract: A method and a unit for packaging a plurality of cards, in particular memory cards, with opposing surfaces of successive cards being adjacent to one another. Each of the cards includes at least one surface that can be damaged by contact or exposure to another card. A plurality of dividers is provided, each divider including fastening means for securing each divider to another divider. Each divider is placed between two successive cards in such a manner that each damageable surface is protected by a divider. The fastening means cooperate mutually in order to fasten together the plurality of dividers so that they can be removed simultaneously.