System and method for providing temporary remote access to a computer

摘要

A system and method for providing temporary access to a host computer from a remote computer. The host computer maintains a system date and time and is connected to the remote computer over a communications link. The system includes a first dongle and a second dongle. The first dongle is adapted to be connected to a parallel port of the host computer, and includes a first program memory for storing an encryption algorithm and a temporary memory for storing a key for use with the encryption algorithm. A second dongle is adapted to be connected to the remote computer, and includes a second program memory for storing a copy of the encryption algorithm and a non-volatile memory for storing a copy of the key for use with the copy of said encryption algorithm. A date range is stored in the non-volatile memory of the second dongle and includes a starting date on which temporary access will begin, and an ending date for the temporary access. The second program memory also includes program logic to deactivate the second dongle when the second dongle is accessed by the remote computer on a date outside of the date range.