Abstract: A multi-step signing system and method uses multiple signing devices to affix a single signature which can be verified using a single public verification key. Each signing device posesses a share of the signature key and affixes a partial signature in response to authorization from a plurality of authorizing agents. In a serial embodiment, after a first partial signature has been affixed, a second signing device exponentiates the first partial signature. In a parallel embodiment, each signing device affixes a partial signature, and the plurality of partial signatures are multiplied together to form the final signature. Security of the system is enhanced by distributing capability to affix signatures among a plurality of signing devices and by distributing authority to affix a partial signature among a plurality of authorizing agents.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
September 29, 1998
Date of Patent:
March 27, 2001
Assignee:
CertCo Inc.
Inventors:
Frank W. Sudia, Peter C. Freund, Stuart T. F. Huang