Security enhancement in a data processor through use of dynamic parameter authentication.

摘要

A descrambler for descrambling scrambled information signals (10) through use of a predetermined decryption key (12) includes processing means (13) and a memory (14) for storing data (19, 27) for use in said data processing routines. The processing means are adapted for processing data in accordance with a number of different data processing routines to descramble said scrambled information signals, including a routine (16) for descrambling said scrambled information signals that utilizes said predetermined decryption key (12), and a routine (18) for generating said predetermined decryption key. The processing means includes means for responding to an instruction (20) for generating said predetermined decryption key by processing a first signal (22) provided by the processing means with a second signal (24) to generate said predetermined decryption key; and means for providing at least a portion of said second signal for processing with said first signal by retrieving a portion (25) of said stored data (27) from a portion of said memory identified by a dynamic pointer (26) contained in said instruction for generating said decryption key, with said retrieved data being data that is also used in a said data processing routine other than said routine for generating said predetermined decryption key. <IMAGE>