System and method for generating a cryptographic key

Abstract

A system and method for generating a cryptographic key using a sequence of data segments selected by a user from one or more data resources. Raw data from the one or more data resources corresponding to each of the selected data segments, and the sequence in which such data segments are selected, is extracted and processed to generate a key. The key can be used for any cryptographic and authentication purpose. By enabling a user to select the sequence of data segments from the one or more data resources in any manner the user desires, the user can create a strong key, but also easily remember the underlying data resource and chosen sequence. This technique provides enhanced security while maintaining ease of creation and use of such security.

1 . (canceled) 
     
     
         2 . A computer-implemented method for generating a cryptographic key for encrypting data, comprising:
 under control of a computing system comprising one or more computing devices configured to execute specific instructions:
 receiving, via a user interface, selection of one or more data resources from a plurality of data resources; 
 extracting raw data from a plurality of segments selected from the one or more data resources; 
 storing the raw data in a sequence corresponding to selection of the plurality of segments; and 
 creating a cryptographic key from the sequence of the raw data associated with the plurality of segments for use in encrypting plaintext data using the cryptographic key, and storing the cryptographic key in a computer-readable memory. 
   
     
     
         3 . The computer-implemented method of  claim 2 , wherein the raw data is extracted from the computer-readable memory associated with the plurality of segments chosen from the one or more data resources in the sequence in which the plurality of segments are selected by a user to create the cryptographic key. 
     
     
         4 . The computer-implemented method of  claim 3 , wherein the raw data extracted from the plurality of segments is manipulated by encrypting the raw data. 
     
     
         5 . The computer-implemented method of  claim 4 , wherein the cryptographic key is stored in the computer-readable memory after manipulation including encrypting the cryptographic key. 
     
     
         6 . The computer-implemented method of  claim 2 , wherein the one or more data resources are presented as a gallery of images and the raw data is data stored within the computer-readable memory prior to generation of the images associated with the gallery of images. 
     
     
         7 . The computer-implemented method of  claim 6 , wherein a total number of images in the gallery of images is selected by a user. 
     
     
         8 . The computer-implemented method of  claim 2 , wherein a data resource of the one or more data resources is presented as a single image divided into multiple grids and the raw data is data stored within the computer-readable memory prior to generation of the single image. 
     
     
         9 . The computer-implemented method of  claim 8 , wherein a total number of grids and dimensions of each grid in the single image is determined by a user. 
     
     
         10 . The computer-implemented method of  claim 9 , wherein a data resource of the one or more data resources is presented as the single image divided into the multiple grids. 
     
     
         11 . The computer-implemented method of  claim 2 , wherein a data resource of the one or more data resources is presented as a video clip divisible into multiple segments each being a plurality of video frames. 
     
     
         12 . A system comprising:
 computer-readable memory storing executable instructions; and   one or more processors in communication with the computer-readable memory and programmed by the executable instructions to:
 receive, via a user interface, selection of one or more data resources from a plurality of data resources; 
 extract raw data from a plurality of segments selected from the one or more data resources; 
 store the raw data in a sequence corresponding to selection of the plurality of segments; and 
 create a cryptographic key from the sequence of the raw data associated with the plurality of segments for use in encrypting plaintext data using the cryptographic key, and storing the cryptographic key in the computer-readable memory. 
   
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 12 , wherein the raw data is extracted from the computer-readable memory associated with the plurality of segments chosen from the one or more data resources in the sequence in which the plurality of segments are selected by a user to create the cryptographic key. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 13 , wherein the raw data extracted from the plurality of segments is manipulated by encrypting the raw data. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 14 , wherein the cryptographic key is stored in the computer-readable memory after manipulation including encrypting the cryptographic key. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 12 , wherein the one or more data resources are presented as a gallery of images and the raw data is data stored within the computer-readable memory prior to generation of the images associated with the gallery of images. 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 16 , wherein a total number of images in the gallery of images is selected by a user. 
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 12 , wherein a data resource of the one or more data resources is presented as a single image divided into multiple grids and the raw data is data stored within the computer-readable memory prior to generation of the single image. 
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 18 , wherein a total number of grids and dimensions of each grid in the single image is determined by a user. 
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 19 , wherein a data resource of the one or more data resources is presented as the single image divided into the multiple grids. 
     
     
         21 . The system of  claim 12 , wherein a data resource of the one or more data resources is presented as a video clip divisible into multiple segments each being a plurality of video frames.