Electrical computers and digital processing systems: support – Multiple computer communication using cryptography – Protection at a particular protocol layer
Reexamination Certificate
1998-02-12
2001-06-26
Swann, Tod (Department: 2132)
Electrical computers and digital processing systems: support
Multiple computer communication using cryptography
Protection at a particular protocol layer
C380S042000, C380S056000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06253328
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to secured systems and more particularly to the encryption of passwords and personal identification numbers.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Systems that are secured for use only by authorized individuals frequently rely upon a password or personal identification number (PIN). Examples of systems which utilize PINs include college registration, employee access to information, cellular phones and other communication devices in addition to savings and checking accounts, ATM transactions, telephone calling cards, debit cards, credit cards and numerous other systems.
While some individuals are able to remember random sequences of numbers and letters, most passwords and PINs are selected by the individual to have some personal relevance so that they can be easily remembered. Frequently, words and number combinations that relate to loved ones, pets, colleagues, birthdays, telephone numbers, addresses and social security numbers are used for passwords and PINs. Such associations provide hackers, thieves, spies and others with weaknesses that they can exploit in order to gain unauthorized access. Even when random words and numbers are used, they are frequently written in a list that is kept handy. The list of passwords and PINs is often not well secured itself, which also facilitates unauthorized access.
Individuals are faced with the dilemma of having a password or PIN that is easy to remember and consequently facilitates unauthorized access or having a password or PIN that is so difficult to remember that it may have to be written down, thus negating the added security.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is a method for securing passwords and personal identification numbers which utilizes a mastercode. At least ten characters are selected for the mastercode. The selected characters are randomly associated to a corresponding digit, wherein the association defines the mastercode. A numeric sequence is translated into a corresponding character sequence using the mastercode. The corresponding character sequence is expanded into an ordinary word or set of words. An apparatus for implementing the method is also described. For enhanced security the mastercode can be embedded within a mastergrid camouflaging the mastercode.
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Swann Tod
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