User Authentication System

Abstract

Techniques are provided for users to authenticate themselves to components in a system. The users may securely and efficiently enter credentials into the components. These credentials may be provided to a server in the system with strong authentication that the credentials originate from secure components. The server may then automatically build a network by securely distributing keys to each secure component to which a user presented credentials.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An access device comprising:
 a memory storing a first credential; and   a processor configured to:
 authenticate the access device to a service provider using the first credential, 
 receive a first cryptographic key corresponding to the first credential from the service provider, and 
 establish a connection, using the first cryptographic key, to a first network that includes a second access device authenticated to the service provider using the first credential, wherein the first network is cryptographically separate from a second network including a third access device authenticated to the service provider using a second credential.