Importance

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Abstract

A system and method is provided for refilling a postage metering system that includes a host coupled to a postal security device (PSD). A user enters a first request for postage refill which is transmitted to a meter server. The meter server transmits a request for a PSD audit to the postage metering system. PSD audit data is signed with a first secret key stored in the PSD to produce an audit message that includes a first signature and the PSD audit data. The audit message is transmitted to the meter server which transmits the first signature to a key management system which then verifies the first signature using a second secret key stored in the key management system. The PSD audit data is verified at the meter server which then constructs a second request for meter refill and transmits it to a meter recharging data center. The meter recharging data center generates a refill combination and transmits it to the meter server. The refill combination is transmitted from the meter server to the key management system for signature using the second secret key to produce a refill message that is transmitted to the meter server. The refill message includes a second signature and the refill combination. The refill message is transmitted to the PSD which verifies the signature and the refill combination using the first secret key and credits the PSD for the amount.

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First Claim