Embedding certifications in executable files for network transmission

Patent 6367012 Issued on April 2, 2002. Estimated Expiration Date:

December 6, 2016. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.

Abstract Claims Description Full Text

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Inventors

Assignee

Microsoft Corporation

Application

No. 761698 filed on 12/06/1996

US Classes:

713/176, Authentication by digital signature representation or digital watermark713/167, Object protection713/187COMPUTER PROGRAM MODIFICATION DETECTION BY CRYPTOGRAPHY

Examiners

Primary: Barron, Gilberto Jr.

Attorney, Agent or Firm

Klarquist Sparkman, LLP

International Classes

H04L 009/30
G06F 007/04

Abstract

A certification or signature is incorporated in a computer program, an executable file, or code to assure its authenticity and integrity, particularly for receiving it over an open computer network like the Internet. The executable file may be of any executable form, including an executable or portable executable .exe file format, a .cab cabinet file format, an .ocx object control format, or a Java class file. The certification includes a keyed source confirmation with a secure representation of the executable file. In an embodiment, the certification is referenced in a header of the executable file, the reference including a pointer to the keyed source confirmation and an indication of the size of the keyed source confirmation.