Automated security token administrative services

Abstract

This invention provides a system, method and computer program product to allow a user to access administrative security features associated with the use of a security token. The administrative security features provide the user the ability to unlock a locked security token, diagnose a security token, activate and deactivate a security token, request a replacement security token or temporary password or report the loss of a security token. The invention comprises a client application which integrates into the standard user login dialog associated with an operating system. A portion of the user dialog is linked to a remote server to access the administrative services.

1 . A system which performs at least one administrative security function which facilitates alternative access to system resources and services comprising:
 at least one credential associated with a user;   a local client in processing communications with an authenticating computer system including;
 one or more functionally connected user input devices; 
 a user interface means for handling input from and output to said user; 
 means for generating and sending an administrative access request to said authenticating computer system to perform at least one administrative security function, wherein said administrative access request includes said at least one credential; 
 means for mediating said at least one administrative security function between said authenticating computer system, said client and said user; and 
   said authenticating computer system including;
 means responsive to said administrative access request for performing said at least one administrative security function, wherein said at least one administrative security function includes means for authenticating said user to said authenticating computer system using said at least one credential and means for allowing access to system resources and services, 
   without requiring said user to log on to an operating environment associated with said local client.   
     
     
         2 - 24 . (canceled)