Process and device for authentication

Abstract

The authentication process comprises: a step of generating a random number ( 105 ), a step of generating a time-stamp ( 115 ), a step of generating a first secret key ( 120 ), a step of truncating the message authentication code utilizing said first secret key ( 125 ), a step of symmetrically encrypting the random number, time-stamp and truncation ( 135 ), utilizing a second secret key ( 130 ) to produce an authentication code ( 145 ). Preferably, during the step of generating a random number, a quantum generator ( 100 ) is utilized. Preferably, during the truncation step, a cryptographic message authenticator is generated utilizing the first secret key. Preferably, during the step of symmetrically encrypting the random number, time-stamp and truncation, by utilizing the second secret key, in addition a hash ( 140 ) is produced.

1 . An authentication process, that comprises:
 a step of generating a random number,   a step of generating a time-stamp,   a step of generating a first secret key,   a step of truncating the message authentication code utilizing said first secret key,   a step of symmetrically encrypting the random number, time-stamp and truncation, utilizing a second secret key to produce an authentication code.   
     
     
         2 . An authentication method according to  claim 1 , wherein, during the step of generating a random number, a quantum generator is utilized. 
     
     
         3 . An authentication method according to  claim 1 , wherein, during the truncation step, a cryptographic message authenticator is generated utilizing the first secret key. 
     
     
         4 . An authentication method according to  claim 1 , wherein, during the step of symmetrically encrypting the random number, time-stamp and truncation by utilizing the second secret key, in addition a hash is produced. 
     
     
         5 . An authentication method according to  claim 1 , that comprises a step of regularly modifying the first secret key and transmitting the new secret key to a production site. 
     
     
         6 . An authentication method according to  claim 1 , wherein, during the symmetric encryption step, a code is generated comprising alphanumeric characters. 
     
     
         7 . An authentication device, that comprises:
 a means of generating a random number,   a means of generating a time-stamp,   a means of generating a first secret key,   a means of truncating the message authentication code utilizing said first secret key,   a means of symmetrically encrypting the random number, time-stamp and truncation, utilizing a second secret key to produce an authentication code.