Abstract: Smart token technology, using a smart card, PCMCIA card or any other medium containing storage or processing capability is used to facilitate a variety of secure business transactions, including those which might occur over an unsecured network such as the Internet. Application programs can obtain a variety of smart token services using a common application programming interface. Applications of the smart token technology to electronic cash, banking, credit, computer and network access, software distribution, medical handling and issuance of credentials are presented.
Abstract: A network of users and servers of a type found in the Internet system is extended to permit secure electronic commercial transactions to be accomplished. The network is extended to include a public key infrastructure and electronic transactions can be securely performed utilizing smart token technology. Conduct of a variety of common electronic business transactions over such an extended network is provided.
Abstract: A plurality of certification authorities connected by an open network are interrelated through an authentication and certification system for providing and managing public key certificates. The certification system with its multiple certification and its policies constitute a public key infrastructure facilitating secure and authentic transactions over an unsecure network. Security services for applications and users in the network are facilitated by a set of common certification functions accessible by well-defined application programming interface which allows applications to be developed independently of the type of underlying hardware platforms used, communication networks and protocols and security technologies.