Abstract: Apparatus and methods for managing key material in cryptographic assets are disclosed. The methods can include defining first key material to be delivered to a cryptographic asset, wherein the first key material has a cryptoperiod having an expiration. Second key material to be delivered to the cryptographic asset is also defined. An automatic delivery of the second key material is scheduled such that the second key material will be delivered automatically to the cryptographic asset at or before the expiration of the cryptoperiod of the first key material. The methods can include defining a set of equipment classes, and registering at least one cryptographic asset with each equipment class. Cryptographic assets selected from the registered cryptographic assets are grouped into secure communication services, thereby defining secure communication interfaces between the cryptographic assets.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for remotely rekeying a cryptographic device are disclosed. A method according to the invention includes associating a preliminary certificate with the device, generating a device certificate associated with the device, determining whether a certificate stored in the device is the preliminary certificate associated with the device, and if the certificate stored in the device is the preliminary certificate associated with the device, then securely loading the device certificate into the device. Apparatus for remotely rekeying a cryptographic device includes a computer readable medium having stored thereon computer executable instructions for performing a method according to the invention.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for managing key material in cryptographic assets are disclosed. The methods can include defining first key material to be delivered to a cryptographic asset, wherein the first key material has a cryptoperiod having an expiration. Second key material to be delivered to the cryptographic asset is also defined. An automatic delivery of the second key material is scheduled such that the second key material will be delivered automatically to the cryptographic asset at or before the expiration of the cryptoperiod of the first key material. The methods can include defining a set of equipment classes, and registering at least one cryptographic asset with each equipment class. Cryptographic assets selected from the registered cryptographic assets are grouped into secure communication services, thereby defining secure communication interfaces between the cryptographic assets.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for managing key material in cryptographic assets are disclosed. The methods can include defining first key material to be delivered to a cryptographic asset, wherein the first key material has a cryptoperiod having an expiration. Second key material to be delivered to the cryptographic asset is also defined. An automatic delivery of the second key material is scheduled such that the second key material will be delivered automatically to the cryptographic asset at or before the expiration of the cryptoperiod of the first key material. The methods can include defining a set of equipment classes, and registering at least one cryptographic asset with each equipment class. Cryptographic assets selected from the registered cryptographic assets are grouped into secure communication services, thereby defining secure communication interfaces between the cryptographic assets.