Abstract: A system and method allows portable, encrypted data to be accessible through multiple hosts, including new hosts (14), without requiring a secure link to the new hosts. A split key encryption system encrypts (52) data and stores the encrypted data on a portable device (10). A split of the encryption key is stored (54) in the portable device (10), and another split of the key is stored (54) in a home host (12) . A password-modified key is then made (58) by combining a password with the encryption key. This password-modified key is then reduced (58), with one split being stored on the host (12) and another split stored on the portable device (10) . Data can be accessed with a new host (14) by transferring (78) the host password-modified split to the new host (14) and entering (80) the password into the portable device (10).

Abstract: A method for establishing a secure communications link between first and second terminals includes a step of exchanging a first message. The first message contains information describing encryption devices and communications modes available within the terminals and user authentication information. The method also includes a step of selecting, in at least one terminal, a common key generation and ciphering algorithm. The method further includes steps of exchanging a second message for providing data to form traffic keys, exchanging a third message for synchronizing secure communications and initiating secure communication.