Algorithm independent cryptographic key management
First Claim
1. An apparatus for secure communications between first and second terminals, said apparatus comprising:
- means for ciphering using a plurality of different ciphering algorithms;
means for transmitting messages, said transmitting means coupled to said ciphering means;
for receiving messages, said receiving means coupled to said ciphering means; and
controller means coupled to said ciphering, transmitting and receiving means, said controller means, transmitting means and receiving means for;
(i) sending a first message to said second terminal containing information on encryption algorithms and communications modes available within said first terminal;
(ii) sending a second message to said second terminal containing sending terminal authentication information;
(iii) sending a third message to said second terminal for providing data to form a traffic key; and
(iv) initiating secure communication with said second terminal using said traffic key.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An apparatus for secure communications contains a controller for automatically selecting one of several data ciphering devices utilizing one of a plurality of ciphering algorithms common to transmitting and receiving terminals. A transmitter for transmitting encrypted data, and a receiver for receiving encrypted data are coupled to the plurality of ciphering devices. The controller automatically determines which of the ciphering devices to employ for any given secure communication. The method for establishing a secure communications link includes the steps of exchanging a first message for determining a common key generation and ciphering method and comparing a further shared message for validation of communications terminal security. Additionally, the steps of trading a still further message for providing data to form traffic keys to initialize key generators, interchanging an additional message for synchronizing and verifying synchronization of secure communications between secure communications terminals, and initiating secure communication are used.
79 Citations
6 Claims
-
1. An apparatus for secure communications between first and second terminals, said apparatus comprising:
-
means for ciphering using a plurality of different ciphering algorithms; means for transmitting messages, said transmitting means coupled to said ciphering means; for receiving messages, said receiving means coupled to said ciphering means; and controller means coupled to said ciphering, transmitting and receiving means, said controller means, transmitting means and receiving means for; (i) sending a first message to said second terminal containing information on encryption algorithms and communications modes available within said first terminal; (ii) sending a second message to said second terminal containing sending terminal authentication information; (iii) sending a third message to said second terminal for providing data to form a traffic key; and (iv) initiating secure communication with said second terminal using said traffic key. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
-
Specification