Method and apparatus for integrity verification, authentication, and secure linkage of software modules

摘要

A method and apparatus of authenticating and verifying the integrity of software modules is disclosed. In one embodiment, said software modules initially establish their corresponding credentials. Then said local software module ensures its integrity by validating its own digital signature. Said local software module authenticates the integrity of said partner software module after having derived and validated certain information from said partner module's credential. In addition, secure linkage between said local software module and said partner software module is maintained.