Method and system for initialzing a key management system

Abstract

A network system for key management including a server, a key management system providing process logic for key management system initialization located on the server, a key management system storage providing a secure data storage for the key management system, and an interface providing a means for inputting data into the key management system.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application No. 10 / 037,153, filed Dec. 21, 2001.BACKGROUND OF INVENTION [0002] Connection of company networks to the Internet has resulted in a requirement for increased network security. This has resulted in some software systems, i.e. Financial Software Systems, requiring security information as part of their operation. Security information includes such information as encryption / decryption keys for encrypted databases, administrator passwords to access external resources such as a directory server, etc. Security information is typically stored in a configuration file that is accessible by the software systems. [0003] While security information is used to ensure the security of particular software systems and the data they use, security information itself is typically not secure. Security information typically stored in a configuration file is in “clear text” i.e. text in ASCII format....

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

This has resulted in some software systems, i.e. Financial Software Systems, requiring security information as part of their operation.

While security information is used to ensure the security of particular software systems and the data they use, security information itself is typically not secure.

While this will protect the security information when it is not being used, it does not protect the security information when it is accessed.

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