초록 ▼

A time notarization apparatus and method is disclosed which uses a secure, microprocessor based hardware platform which performs public key cryptographic operations to obtain trusted time stamping with a minimum of intervention by third parties. The hardware platform is encapsulated in a secure fash

A time notarization apparatus and method is disclosed which uses a secure, microprocessor based hardware platform which performs public key cryptographic operations to obtain trusted time stamping with a minimum of intervention by third parties. The hardware platform is encapsulated in a secure fashion so that the device\s timestamping mechanism may not be readily tampered with or altered. The hardware platform includes at least one digital clock and a stable, secure storage device to record the private half of a public/private key pair. Coupled to both the digital clock and the storage device is a data processing device which performs public key signature operations in a secure and tamper-proof manner. Only the processing device has access to the secure storage device and its associated private key. The hardware platform also includes input/output means which receives a digital message which is to be digitally signed and timestamped and which outputs the resulting timestamped signature generated by the device. The hardware platform also includes a power source, (e.g., an on-board battery) to ensure the accuracy of the device\s digital clock and the security of storage data prior to installation or in case of a power failure.

대표청구항 ▼

A digital time notarization device for enabling a user to digitally notarize digital information without regard to any particular recipient of said digital information comprising: platform means for supporting components; clock means for generating clock signals indicative of time; input means for r

A digital time notarization device for enabling a user to digitally notarize digital information without regard to any particular recipient of said digital information comprising: platform means for supporting components; clock means for generating clock signals indicative of time; input means for receiving a digital input value to be notarized; storage means for storing a private key created for said device having a corresponding device public key where said device public key has been certified by a trusted authority, said storage means being secured such that said private key is not accessible to said user; and processor means for operating on said clock signals and said digital input value using said private key corresponding to the public key certified by said trusted authority for generating a notarized time stamp, said input means, storage means and processor means being supported by said platform means, whereby a holder of said device public key certified by said trusted authority may verify that said notarized time stamp is authentic without any further information regarding said notarization device.