Abstract: A personal key having an inexpensive and robust integrated USB connector is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a circuit board having a processor and a plurality of conductive traces communicatively coupling the processor to a peripheral portion of the circuit board. The plurality of conductive traces includes, for example, a power trace, a ground trace, and at least two signal traces. The apparatus also comprises a first housing, having an aperture configured to accept the periphery of the circuit board therethrough, thereby presenting the plurality of conductive traces exterior to the aperture. The apparatus also comprises a shell, surrounding the plurality of conductive traces, the shell including at least one locking member interfacing with the first housing.

Abstract: A bending token for providing conditional access to data stored therein is disclosed. The token comprises a first member, for insertion into a USB-compliant host computer female connector along a first longitudinal axis, USB-compliant host computer female connector having a plurality of host conductive surfaces; a second member, disposed along a second longitudinal axis, the second member having a processor providing conditional access to data stored in a memory; a flexible conductor, electrically coupling the processor and the plurality of host conductive surfaces when the first member is inserted into the USB-compliant host computer female connector; and a bendable member, coupled to the first member and the second member, the bendable member permitting the second longitudinal axis rotated away from the first longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and article of manufacture for protecting a shelled computer program with a startup code featuring multiple-route execution. In one embodiment, the startup code comprises a sequence of tasks, collectively executing a startup code, wherein one or more of the tasks is selectably performed by one of a plurality of task code variations as selected by a selection code associated with the task.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for secure authentication of a hardware token is disclosed. In one embodiment, a host computer fingerprint is used to generate a partial seed for a challenge-response authentication which is performed on the hardware token. In another embodiment, the host computer fingerprint is used as a personal identification number for the hardware token.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for communicating information between a token and a host computer having a host computer operating system (OS) supplied inherent driver for communicating with an OS-supported USB-compliant device. The method comprising the steps of coupling to the host computer, and emulating the OS-supported USB-compliant device. In one embodiment, the step of emulating the OS-supported USB-compliant device comprises the steps of accepting a message from the OS-supplied inherent driver in the token, the message transmitted according to a format and protocol for the OS-supported USB-compliant device; generating a second message from the accepted first message; and providing a second message from the token to the OS-supplied inherent driver.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for booting a computer. The method comprises the steps of emulating a floppy disk drive communicatively coupled to a computer in a token via a USB-compatible interface, and booting the computer using the token. The apparatus comprises means for performing these functions, including a token with a processor having one or more memories storing processor instructions and data for performing the method steps. The memory may also securely store sensitive data.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and article of manufacture provide the ability to rapidly generate a large prime number to be utilized in a cryptographic key of a cryptographic system. A candidate prime number is determined and a mod remainder table is initialized for the candidate prime number using conventional mod operations. If all mod remainder entries in the table are non-zero, the candidate number is tested for primality. If the candidate prime number tests positive for primality, the candidate number is utilized in a cryptographic key of a cryptographic system. If any of the table entries is zero, the candidate number and each mod remainder entry are decremented/incremented. If any mod remainder entry is less than zero or greater than the corresponding prime number, the corresponding prime number is added/subtracted to/from the mod remainder. The process then repeats until a satisfactory number is obtained.

Abstract: A “dual” personal key/token is disclosed. The “dual” personal key is useful for installing drivers and other command interfaces which allow the personal key to be coupled to and used with a host computer. In a first embodiment, the personal key operates as a USB hub, and reports two devices, a storage device and a personal key, to the host computer. In a second embodiment presents a single device, and different portions of the personal key are activated as required.