Method and system for secure distribution and utilization of data over a network
View Patent ↗A method for distributing data over a network includes the steps of establishing a secure connection between a client and a server; issuing a certificate and a private key to the client for identifying the client in a transaction; storing the certificate and the private key in a portable token of the client and used by the client during a transaction, the portable token including a unique distinguishing number and being a physical device removeably coupleable to a client computer; and generating a message linking the data being distributed to the client with at least part of the distinguishing number for the token used by the client during a transaction.
1. A method for distributing data over a network comprising:
establishing a secure connection between a client and a server;
issuing a certificate and a private key to the client for identifying the client in a transaction;
storing the certificate and the private key in a portable token of the client and used by the client during a transaction, the portable token including a permanent unique distinguishing number and being a physical device removeably coupleable to a client computer;
using the certificate by the client to obtain data from the server in a form the client by itself is unable to use;
generating a message associating the data with the distinguishing number for the token;
after obtaining by the client the data and the message, obtaining by the client the distinguishing number of the token from the token; and
using the message and the distinguishing number of the token obtained from the token by the client to enable client use of the data.
2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising distributing additional data to the client.
3. The method of claim 2 , further comprising requesting information from the client for establishing an account.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein establishing a secure connection comprises establishing a secure connection using a security protocol.
5. The method of claim 4 , wherein the security protocol is the secure socket layer protocol.
6. The method of claim 3 , wherein requesting information comprises requesting a credit card number.
7. The method of claim 3 , wherein requesting information comprises requesting a password.
8. The method of claim 1 , wherein storing the certificate comprises:
interfacing the token to a client computer; and
writing the certificate and the private key to the token across the network.
9. The method of claim 1 , wherein storing the certificate comprises:
interfacing the token to a server computer; and
writing the certificate to the token at the server computer.
10. The method of claim 2 , wherein the distributing of additional data to the client comprises distributing a media player to the client, and the step of using the message and the distinguishing number of the token is accomplished using the media player.
11. The method of claim 1 , wherein the distinguishing number for the token is assigned to the token by a manufacturer.