Secure Multi-Source Key Dissemination Using Network Coding

Background:

In cryptographic applications, disseminating a secret key among network nodes while ensuring that non-terminal nodes do not gain any information about the key is a critical challenge.  This concept, referred to as "key-cast," seeks to achieve positive-rate key dissemination under stringent security constraints.

Technology Overview:

The proposed method by University at Buffalo and Caltech researchers employs network coding techniques to enhance secure key dissemination, with a particular focus on secure multicast network coding.  It ensures that a positive, albeit small, rate of key dissemination is achievable while guaranteeing that non-terminal nodes cannot access any information about the shared key.  The approach is analyzed through two combinatorial characterizations: the first identifies networks capable of supporting positive-rate secure multicast, a currently open problem in the field, while the second determines which network structures enable positive-rate secure key-cast.

Advantages:

• Enhanced security ensures that non-terminal nodes cannot access information about the secret key.
• Positive-rate key dissemination achieves key dissemination even under tight security constraints.

Applications:

• Cryptographic systems.
• Secure communications networks.
• Privacy-preserving data distribution.

Intellectual Property Summary:

Provisional patent application 63/665,168 filed June 27, 2024.

Stage of Development:

Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6.

Licensing Status:

Available for licensing or collaboration.

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