Patent attributes
A key delegation request is received from a host system. The key delegation request includes a new public key. A challenge is generated based on the new public key and a root public key, and the challenge is provided to the host system responsive to the request. A first and second digital signature are received from the host system. The first digital signature is generated by cryptographically signing the challenge using a new private key corresponding to the new public key and the second digital signature is generated by cryptographically signing the challenge using a root private key corresponding to the root public key. The first digital signature is validated using the new public key and the second digital signature is validated using the root public key. Based on successful validation of both signatures, the new public key is utilized in one or more cryptographic operations.