Ge Aviation Systems Limited

John Jared Creech

Deven J Anthony

Joseph Bernard Steffler

David Barnard Pierce

Jay Robert Pruiett

Systems and methods for configuring a cryptographic system, such as an avionic data transfer system associated with an aircraft, are provided. More particularly, systems and methods can be used to assemble a cryptographic key configuration (CKC) for use in a cryptographic system. A CKC can include various components for configuration of a cryptographic system. An administrator can generate CKCs for multiple host systems via a user interface (e.g., a graphical user interface) at a terminal and can deliver the CKCs to the host systems via an automated process by way of, for instance, a removable data cartridge.

Configuring cryptographic systems

Systems and methods using a removable data storage device having an embedded cryptographic ignition key (CIK) are provided. In one embodiment, a CIK device is embedded into a removable data cartridge used to transfer information for cryptographic processing to a host system. When the removable data cartridge is interfaced with the host system, the CIK device communicates a CIK used to authenticate a user so that the data subject to cryptographic processing can be transferred to and/or otherwise processed by the host system. Once user authentication has occurred, the removable data cartridge can transfer data to the host system for cryptographic processing.

Cryptographic ignition key (CIK) embedded in removable data cartridge

Systems and methods using a cryptographic key loader embedded in a removable data storage device are provided. In one embodiment, the removable data storage device can include a dedicated key memory storing one or more cryptographic keys for cryptographic processing of data by a host system. The removable data storage device can further include a dedicated data memory storing data subject to cryptographic processing by the host system. When the removable data cartridge is interfaced with the host system, the cryptographic key(s) and the data subject to cryptographic processing can become accessible to host system.

Cryptographic key loader embedded in removable data cartridge

Systems and methods for managing cryptographic keys in an avionic data transfer system are provided. A host device associated with the avionic data transfer system can receive one or cryptographic keys via a key fill interface. For instance, in one embodiment, the host device can receive one or more cryptographic keys from a removable data cartridge. The host device can act as a key server for other cryptographic units associated with the avionic data transfer system via a data bus. For instance, the host device can distribute one or more cryptographic keys to other cryptographic units associated with aircraft via an aircraft bus. The other cryptographic units can use the one or more cryptographic keys for cryptographic processing of data.

Growing community of inventors

Palmetto, FL, United States of America

John Jared Creech