Computer-based value-bearing item customization security
View Patent ↗The exemplary embodiment of the present invention will provide computer systems and methods for protecting the security of processing for customization of computer-based value-bearing items, such as, for example, securing processing of exemplary image-customized computer-based postage label 1 in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, as depicted in FIG. 1 . The exemplary embodiment of the present invention will further provide computer systems and methods for securing computer-based value-bearing items, such as, for example, securing image-customized computer-based postage label 1 as depicted in FIG. 1 . With reference to FIG. 1 , the exemplary customized computer-based postage label 1 will bear an image 2 that would be provided by a corresponding user, namely by the user that orders the customized computer-based postage label. The user may provide image 2 in an electronic form, such as by uploading a digital representation of image 2 . In a variation of the exemplary embodiment, a user could alternatively provide a hardcopy image. The exemplary customized computer-based postage label 1 will bear a human-readable indication of the country 4 for which the postage is approved. The exemplary customized computer-based postage label 1 will also bear a human-readable indication of an amount of postage 5 . The exemplary customized computer-based postage label 1 will also bear a human-readable identifier (such as a serial number) 6 that will uniquely identify the particular customized computer-based postage label. The exemplary customized computer-based postage label 1 will also bear a machine-readable set of information 7.
1. A computer system for securing computer-based value-bearing items, said computer system programmed to:
encrypt each computer-based value-bearing item, wherein each computer-based value-bearing item comprises a computer-based postage-indicia-bearing item that comprises at least one image uploaded to the computer system according to a respective user-provided instruction;
save each encrypted computer-based value-bearing item to a computer-readable medium;
generate a symmetric key and a private key;
encrypt the symmetric key; and
save the encrypted symmetric key to the computer-readable medium.
2. The computer system of claim 1 , said computer system further programmed to generate the symmetric key using a random generator.
3. The computer system of claim 1 , said computer system further programmed to:
generate a public key;
using the public key, encrypt a file decryption key for decrypting the encrypted computer-based value-bearing item; and
save the encrypted file decryption key on the computer-readable medium.
4. The computer system of claim 3 , said computer system further programmed to:
using the private key, decrypt the encrypted the decryption key; and
decrypt the encrypted computer-based value-bearing item using the decrypted file decryption key.
5. A computer-implemented method for securing computer-based value-bearing items, said method comprising at least one computer device programmed to:
encrypt a computer-based value-bearing item, wherein the computer-based value-bearing item comprises a computer-based postage-indicia-bearing item that comprises at least one image uploaded to the computer system according to a respective user-provided instruction;
save the encrypted computer-based value-bearing item to a computer-readable medium;
generate a symmetric key and a private key;
encrypt the symmetric key; and
save the encrypted symmetric key to the computer-readable medium.
6. The method of claim 5 , said at least one computer further programmed to:
generate the symmetric key using a random generator.
7. The method of claim 5 , said at least one computer further programmed to:
generate a public key;
using the public key, encrypt a file decryption key for decrypting the encrypted computer-based value-bearing item; and
save the encrypted file decryption key on the computer-readable medium.
8. The method of claim 7 , said at least one computer further programmed to:
using the private key, decrypt the encrypted file decryption key; and
decrypt the encrypted computer-based value-bearing item using the decrypted file decryption key.