Information processing device, information recording device, information processing system, program update method, program, and integrated circuit

Abstract

According to the prior art, it is difficult to ensure an update of a program when a terminal has already been hacked because in that case, there is a possibility that the reliability of the update module has been lost. A card storing secret information to be used by the terminal includes: a function to store an update program for the terminal and confirm whether or not the terminal is authentic by using information obtained from the terminal; and a function to output the secret information when the terminal is judged to be authentic and output an update program when the terminal is judged not to be authentic. With this structure, when the terminal attempts to use the secret information, the terminal is forced to update the program.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD[0001]The present invention relates to a technology of updating a program surely in an information processing device which operates by the program.BACKGROUND ART[0002]As digital contents have become popular, unauthorized copying of contents has become a social issue. When a content processing function is achieved by a software program, the program needs to be protected from unauthorized copying which is attempted by malicious users. When a program achieving a content processing function is tampered or bugged by a malicious user, it is possible that the content in a plain text state may be extracted, or a key used to encrypt the content may be obtained from the program in an unauthorized manner and the content may be decrypted. Digital contents can be redistributed easily via the Internet. Accordingly, if a content in a plain text state is distributed in an unauthorized manner, the advantage of the right owner is greatly lost. To prevent such a matter from occurring, i...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention relates to a technology for updating a program in an information processing device. The invention aims to protect the program from unauthorized copying or hacking of the update module. The invention includes an information processing device and a portable information recording device that is attachable and detachable to the information processing device. The information processing device measures the characteristics of the operation program when it is loaded and sends a request for secret information to the information recording device. The information recording device checks the authenticity of the operation program and sends the update program or the authenticity confirmation information to the information processing device for updating the program. The invention ensures that the program can be updated even if the update module is not reliable."

Problems solved by technology

As digital contents have become popular, unauthorized copying of contents has become a social issue.

When a program achieving a content processing function is tampered or bugged by a malicious user, it is possible that the content in a plain text state may be extracted, or a key used to encrypt the content may be obtained from the program in an unauthorized manner and the content may be decrypted.

Accordingly, if a content in a plain text state is distributed in an unauthorized manner, the advantage of the right owner is greatly lost.

However, at a release of a processing program, it is difficult to provide a safe program not having a security hole.

Accordingly, it is expected that, for example, a malicious user attacks such a security hole to tamper a content processing program and copy a digital content in an unauthorized manner.

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