Process and device for authentication

Abstract

The authentication process comprises:a step of generating a random number (105),a step of generating a time-stamp (115),a step of generating a first secret key (120),a step of truncating the message authentication code utilizing said first secret key (125),a step of symmetrically encrypting the random number, time-stamp and truncation (135), utilizing a second secret key (130) to produce an authentication code (145). Preferably, during the step of generating a random number, a quantum generator (100) is utilized. Preferably, during the truncation step, a cryptographic message authenticator is generated utilizing the first secret key. Preferably, during the step of symmetrically encrypting the random number, time-stamp and truncation, by utilizing the second secret key, in addition a hash (140) is produced.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a division of U.S. application Ser. No. 12 / 278,211, filed on May 6, 2009, which is the 35 U.S.C. 371 National Stage of PCT / FR2007 / 000206 filed Feb. 5, 2007, which claimed priority to French Application 0601004 filed Feb. 3, 2006, French Application 0601625 filed Feb. 24, 2006 and French Application 0601739 filed Feb. 27, 2006. The entire contents of these applications are hereby incorporated by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention concerns an authentication process and device. It applies, in particular, to the protection against the counterfeiting of trademarks, distinctive symbols and the products that bear them.[0003]There are product marking systems, for example with ink-jet printers located on the production line for printing a serial number on each article. Other systems utilize codes.[0004]These systems are nevertheless vulnerable and the counterfeiters falsify these codes or determine...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention provides an authentication process and device that can securely protect documents, such as software and multimedia works, from being copied or counterfeited. The process involves generating a random number, a time-stamp, and a first secret key, and then utilizing these keys to symmetrically encrypt a message authentication code. This encryption process ensures that even if a copy of the code is made, the original code can still be detected. The invention also provides a method for transferring a holographic matrix onto a base and marking it with a laser shot to produce a digital code that cannot be easily understood. The process and device can be used in the production of documents with holograms to enhance their security."

Problems solved by technology

These systems are nevertheless vulnerable and the counterfeiters falsify these codes or determine how they operate, which allows them to generate codes that appear to authenticate the counterfeit products.

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