Electrical computers and digital processing systems: support – Multiple computer communication using cryptography – Protection at a particular protocol layer
Reexamination Certificate
1998-08-28
2001-04-17
Hua, Ly V. (Department: 2131)
Electrical computers and digital processing systems: support
Multiple computer communication using cryptography
Protection at a particular protocol layer
C713S152000, C713S152000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06219792
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to secured network systems. More particularly, the present invention relates to a secured network system which allows multiple users with proper authorization to access classified data provided by a secured network server and unclassified data provided by an unsecured network server from their personal computer.
2. Description of the Prior Art
In the past computer security for the military services and the intelligence agencies has been provided by a variety of commercially available computer programs which are adapted for use with a variety of microcomputers such as DOS based operating system personal computers and Apple Macintosh personal computers. These computer programs are adapted to provide access control to a computer's data or the data base of a Local Area Network that is coupled to the computer.
Computer security programs often reside in the memory of the computer's central processing unit. Placing computer security programs in the computer's memory slows the computer's processing time because the computer must perform repetitive identification and auditing tasks stored in the computer's memory. In addition, conflicts between security software and the computer operating system or other computer software used by the computer may result in the computer crashing which renders the computer unusable.
Recently microchip embedded cards or “Smart Cards” have been used with computer security software to insure that classified data is not accessible to an individual who is not authorized to access the classified data. However, “Smart Cards” also rely on performing authentication and auditing functions which are stored in the computer's memory.
Accordingly, there is a need for a secure network system which will allow only authorized individuals to access classified data, but will not require the use of computer memory to perform authentication and auditing functions associated with the accessing of classified data.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention overcomes some of the disadvantages of the prior art including those mentioned above in that it comprises a relatively simple yet highly effective secured network system which will allow only an authorized user of the secured network system to access classified data.
The secured network system comprising the present invention includes a readykey controller which has connected thereto a first card reader and a power relay switch. The user of the secured network system inserts a microchip embedded card into the first card reader which then transmits an authorization signal to the readykey controller indicating that the user is authorized to use a personal computer and its associated monitor. The readykey controller, in response to the authorization signal, activates a power relay switch affixed to the computer which connects the computer's power supply to an external power source allowing the user to receive and process data with the computer.
The secured network system also has a data relay switch which includes a manual A/B secured network switch. The manual A/B switch allows the user to receive and process classified data, by setting the manual A/B switch to a predetermined position which allows a secured network server to be connected to the computer. The user then inserts his proximity card into a second card reader which transmits a second authorization signal to the readykey controller indicating that the user is authorized to receive and process classified data from the secured network server. The readykey controller, responsive to the second authorization signal, activates the data relay switch. Activating the data relay switch connects the secured network switch to the secured network server via the data relay switch which allows for the transmission of classified data between the secured network server and the personal computer.
The secured network system of the present invention is adapted for use with two computers. A second power relay switch and a second data relay switch is provided for the second computer to allow an authorized user of the second computer to receive and processed both classified and unclassified data.
Each power relay switch has a tamper circuit which is connected to the readykey controller. When an unauthorized user attempts to bypass the power relay switch to gain access to the computer the impedance of the tamper circuit will change which causes the readykey controller to deactivate the power relay switch and generate an alarm.
Each data relay switch also has a tamper circuit which is connected to the readykey controller. When an unauthorized user attempts to bypass the data relay switch to gain access to the computer the impedance of the tamper circuit will change which causes the readykey controller to de-activate the data relay switch and generate an alarm.
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Bouthillier : Joan M.
Bouthillier Stephen W.
Dodge Brian L.
Kellogg Dana C.
Morse Randall
Bouthillier : Joan M.
Hua Ly V.
Kalmbaugh David
The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of
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