Abstract: A method and a device are disclosed for the low-cost implementation even of high-performance encryption functions in an encryptor. The encryptor may be composed merely of PC software or the like, or of any other terminal/information system with integrated Vernam cipher which does not need to be supported by expensive crypto-hardware for the actual encryption process. The crypto-hardware is made either of a chipcard or a multifunctional PC interface adapter (e.g., PCMCIA module) with built-in special crypto-hardware. The encryptor, on the other hand, is a conventional personal computer, software or another terminal which, however, with the exception of the very simple Vernam cipher (e.g., EXOR), needs no further crypto-technology even for broad-band applications in software.

Abstract: A decoder device has a control unit for decoding encoded TV programs. The decoder device has an input for entering an encoded TV program, a decryption device for decoding an encoded TV program into a format which can be played on a television set, an output which can be connected to the television set and is designed to enter the encoded TV program into the television set for play, an interface for an identification or key component, to be used for validation of the decoding device, as well as an interface for a control unit. The interface for the identification or key component is located in the control unit.

Abstract: A PC card has, in addition to the normal plug-and-socket interface, a standard or modified chip card interface analogous to ISO 7816 ff and is personalized therewith. The PC card can be used in standard PC applications, but also personalized and used as chip cards.

Abstract: Modules, especially PCMCIA modules, have many properties similar to chip cards, but they cannot be used as such and cannot be personalized as effectively. The module has in addition a standard or modified chip card interface analogous to ISO 7816 ff and is personalized therewith. Modules can be used in standard PC applications, but also personalized and used as chip cards.