Abstract: A method and apparatus for protecting computer software from unauthorized execution or duplication using a hardware key is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a means for communicating with the computer to receive command messages from the computer in the hardware key and to provide response messages to the computer, a memory for storing data for translating command messages into response messages enabling software execution, and a processor coupled to the communicating means for translating command messages into response messages using the data stored in the memory. The processor further comprises a memory manager, including means for logically segmenting the memory storing the data into at least one protected segment, and a means for controlling access to the protected segment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for securing a token from unauthorized use is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of receiving a first message transmitted from a host processing device and addressed to a PIN entry device according to a universal serial bus (USB) protocol; accepting a PIN entered into the PIN entry device; and transmitting a second message comprising at least a portion of the first message and the PIN from the PIN entry device to the token along a secure communication path.