Cryptographic key generation and deployment

Abstract

Protection against the obsolescence of cryptographic algorithms is provided by generating a cryptographic key pair for future use and storing the public key on a device. The cryptographic key pair supports a signature scheme that is potentially resistant to quantum computing attacks. In an embodiment, a key management server generates a set of one-time use keys sufficient to sign the anticipated number of software updates to be applied to a device. The key management server provides a public key which is stored on the device for later use. In an embodiment, an update to the device us signed with the one-time-use private key, and can be authenticated by the device using the public key. In an embodiment, the key pair supports the use of a one-time signature technique such as a Merkle signature scheme, Winternitz signature, or Lampert signature.