摘要:
An improved system for protecting cryptographic processing and memory for postal franking machines. Appropriate cryptographic processing and memory resources are contained in a Postal Security Device (PSD), which defines a cryptographic and physical boundary. Cryptographic processing occurs in the PSD, which provides security to these resources, thereby minimizing a successful fraudulent attack on the system. Speed of the cryptographic processing is also increased. The PSD may be in the form of an Applications Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) or Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) Card.
摘要:
In a mailing system for franking a postage indicium serving as a proof of postage, postal data including the postage needs to be communicated through such an indicium. Illustratively, the postal data is categorized into (a) invariable postal data, e.g., a device ID identifying the mailing system, which is unaffected by a franking transaction, and (b) variable postal data, e.g., the postage, which may change from one franking transaction to another. To avoid latency of the franking operation, the invariable postal data is preset for initial printing of the postage indicium, and the variable postal data is determined and set for printing in real time. In printing the postage indicium, the invariable postal data and the variable postal data are presented in that order in one or more symbols.