Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for use with smartcards or other like shared computing resources. By selectively granting exclusive use to a requesting entity for a period of time, performance is improved by reducing unnecessary redundant overhead data, communication, storage and/or processing for an applicable series of transactions associated with a granted access request operation.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for use with smartcards or other like shared computing resources. A global smartcard cache is maintained on one or more computers to reduce the burden on the smartcard. The global smartcard cache data is associated with a freshness indicator that is compared to the current freshness indicator from the smartcard to verify that the cached item data is current.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are provided for interface logic that is configurable to operatively couple cryptography support logic and cryptography providing logic. The interface logic provides at least one management function to the cryptography providing logic. The management function includes at least one of the following four management functions: an identity management function, a file management function, a container management function, and a cryptography management function.

Abstract: An implementation of a technology, described herein, for ensuring reliability, stability, and adherence to a given set of security conformance standards for cryptographic program modules. An implementation of the present claimed invention is a debugging and testing tool for customized cryptographic service providers (“CSPs”). A CSP has a cryptographic type and functionality level within that type. The CSPs are tested based various test classifications. The crypto sub-system of the OS has a set of application program interface (“API”) that manage cryptographic procedures called “CryptoAPI.” For a CSP to be considered reliable, stable, and in compliance with a given set of security conformance standards, it must successfully operate with the CryptoAPI in a reliable and stable manner and it must react appropriately for the given security conformance standards. The CSPs are tested in order of increasing complexity/sophistication in functionality from simplest to most complex.

Abstract: An implementation of a technology, described herein, for ensuring reliability, stability, and adherence to a given set of security conformance standards for cryptographic program modules. An implementation of the present claimed invention is a debugging and testing tool for customized cryptographic service providers (“CSPs”). A CSP has a cryptographic type and functionality level within that type. The CSPs are tested based various test classifications. The crypto sub-system of the OS has a set of application program interface (“API”) that manage cryptographic procedures called “CryptoAPI.” For a CSP to be considered reliable, stable, and in compliance with a given set of security conformance standards, it must successfully operate with the CryptoAPI in a reliable and stable manner and it must react appropriately for the given security conformance standards. The CSPs are tested in order of increasing complexity/sophistication in functionality from simplest to most complex.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are provided for interface logic that is configurable to operatively couple cryptography support logic and cryptography providing logic. The interface logic provides at least one management function to the cryptography providing logic. The management function includes at least one of the following four management functions: an identity management function, a file management function, a container management function, and a cryptography management function.