1. A method for transferring a cryptographic key and its usage policies from a hardware security token to at least a first data processing unit, comprising: performing mutual authentication between the hardware security token and the first data processing unit by exchanging data therebetween; following performing mutual authentication, transferring the key from the hardware security token to a first data processing unit; and applying the key in accordance with the usage policies, wherein the key enables access to at least one resource by the first data processing unit subject to requirements prescribed in the usage policies only if the key is present in the first data processing unit and verified by at least a second data processing unit and wherein the key facilitates the at least first data processing unit to perform a function selected from the group consisting of: surrogate operations for the hardware security token, terminal activation, personalization of an intelligent device, access to the at least one resource, and loyalty credit management.