Portable keying device and method

摘要

A portable encryption key installation system is disclosed that includes a portable keying device for installing a data communications encryption key in an electronic terminal. The portable keying device securely reprograms the encryption key in the electronic terminal without having to remove the terminal from its shipping container or ship the electronic terminal offsite. Furthermore, the portable keying device securely reprograms the encryption key in the electronic terminal without having to dismantle the terminal, deactivate any anti-tampering features, or re-bond the terminal.

主权项

1. An electronic terminal comprising:
at least two memories including a secure memory for storing at least one encryption key and a read-only memory for storing at least one authorization code; a processor; an RF transceiver; a switch activated by the processor pursuant to pre-programmed time controls, said switch connecting said processor to a circuit for storing a new encryption key in said secure memory; wherein the terminal is configured, responsive to successfully comparing a first authorization code received from a client via the RF transceiver to a second authorization code stored in the read-only memory, and validating the communication from the client, to receive said new encryption key via the RF transceiver from the client to store in the secure memory, wherein the validating includes receiving the test encryption key via the RF transceiver and comparing the test encryption key received via the RF transceiver to the at least one encryption key stored in the secure memory and responsive to matching the test encryption key to the at least one encryption key, obtaining a new encryption key from the client via the RF transceiver, sending the new encryption key via the RF transceiver to the client, and receiving an indication of validation via the RF transceiver from the client.