Abstract:
Multiple public/private key pairs of varying levels of security are used to provide a high level of security while still allowing fast processing of encrypted information. The lower-security level includes keys that are small in length, that are changed relatively often, and that require less or fewer resources to implement their functions. When it is required to change key pairs of low security, a key pair at a higher security level (i.e., longer length keys) than the lower-security level keys is used to transfer the new lower-security public keys to devices using those keys. The higher-security keys can, in turn, be changed at a frequency lower than the lower-security keys. The higher-security keys require a higher level of resources to perform their coding operations. This approach of using keys of escalating levels of security to replace lower-security keys, where the higher-security keys require more resources, are more secure, and are replaced less often than the lower-security keys, can be followed as many times as is desired to create a hierarchy of public key uses with the result that the lower-security operations can be performed quickly while the overall system security is high.
Abstract:
Methods and an apparatus for storing information in a processing device with flexible security are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method stores information within the processing device. The method receives a download via a first input path which includes a first breakable link and stores the download within the processing device. At some point, a key is also stored within the processing device. A ciphertext download is received via a second input path which includes a second breakable link. The ciphertext download is decrypted utilizing the key and the resulting plaintext download is stored within the processing device.
Abstract:
A secure Internet Protocol (IP) telephony system, apparatus, and methods are disclosed. Communications over an IP telephony system can be secured by securing communications to and from a Cable Telephony Adapter (CTA). The system can include one or more CTAs, network servers, servers configured as signaling controllers, key distribution centers (KDC), and can include gateways that couple the IP telephony system to a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). Each CTA can be configured as secure hardware and can be configured with multiple encryption keys that are used to communicate signaling or bearer channel communications. The KDC can be configured to periodically distribute symmetric encryption keys to secure communications between devices that have been provisioned to operate in the system and signaling controllers. The secure devices, such as the CTA, can communicate with other secure devices by establishing signaling and bearer channels that are encrypted with session specific symmetric keys derived from a symmetric key distributed by a signaling controller.
Abstract:
A system to change security levels is used to change the level of security used in a secured processing system. The system uses a status indicator to designate the security level being implemented. The security level can be upgraded to allow a higher level of security to be implemented with relative ease. However, in order to change from a higher level of security to a lower level of security, an authorization code is utilized to confirm that the change in security is authorized.
Abstract:
A secure Internet Protocol (IP) telephony system, apparatus, and methods are disclosed. Communications over an IP telephony system can be secured by securing communications to and from a Cable Telephony Adapter (CTA). The system can include one or more CTAs, network servers, servers configured as signaling controllers, key distribution centers (KDC), and can include gateways that couple the IP telephony system to a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). Each CTA can be configured as secure hardware and can be configured with multiple encryption keys that are used to communicate signaling or bearer channel communications. The KDC can be configured to periodically distribute symmetric encryption keys to secure communications between devices that have been provisioned to operate in the system and signaling controllers. The secure devices, such as the CTA, can communicate with other secure devices by establishing signaling and bearer channels that are encrypted with session specific symmetric keys derived from a symmetric key distributed by a signaling controller.
Abstract:
A secure Internet Protocol (IP) telephony system, apparatus, and methods are disclosed. Communications over an IP telephony system can be secured by securing communications to and from a Cable Telephony Adapter (CTA). The system can include one or more CTAs, network servers, servers configured as signaling controllers, key distribution centers (KDC), and can include gateways that couple the IP telephony system to a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). Each CTA can be configured as secure hardware and can be configured with multiple encryption keys that are used to communicate signaling or bearer channel communications. The KDC can be configured to periodically distribute symmetric encryption keys to secure communications between devices that have been provisioned to operate in the system and signaling controllers. The secure devices, such as the CTA, can communicate with other secure devices by establishing signaling and bearer channels that are encrypted with session specific symmetric keys derived from a symmetric key distributed by a signaling controller.
Abstract:
A system is described for allowing “pay by time” purchasing of digital video programming. The system provides for a variable or metered approach. A user can purchase a fraction of a program for a price different from that required for purchasing the entire program. Records of the user's viewing can be created to record, e.g., when a user started receiving a program, how long the user received a program, and when the user stopped receiving a program.
Abstract:
A method for securing a plaintext object within a content receiver is described. In one step, a secure portion of a secure object and a plaintext remainder of the secure object are received. Which portion of the secure object is the secure portion is determined. The secure portion is decrypted to provide a plaintext portion. The plaintext object that comprises the plaintext portion and the plaintext remainder is formed. The plaintext object is stored including authentication and authorization.
Abstract:
A method is provided for enhancing security of a communication session between first and second endpoints which employs a key management protocol. The method includes sending a first message to a first end point over a communications network requesting a secure communication session therewith. The message includes an identity of a second end point requesting the authenticated communication session. A digital certificate is received from the first endpoint over the communications network. The digital certificate is issued by a certifying source verifying information contained in the digital certificate. The digital certificate includes a plurality of fields, one or more of which are transformed in accordance with a transformation algorithm. A reverse transform is applied to the one or more transformed fields to obtain the one or more fields. The digital certificate is validated and a second message is sent to the first endpoint indicating that validation is complete.
Abstract:
A method is provided for enhancing security of a communication session between first and second endpoints which employs a key management protocol. The method includes sending a first message to a first end point over a communications network requesting a secure communication session therewith. The message includes an identity of a second end point requesting the authenticated communication session. A digital certificate is received from the first endpoint over the communications network. The digital certificate is issued by a certifying source verifying information contained in the digital certificate. The digital certificate includes a plurality of fields, one or more of which are transformed in accordance with a transformation algorithm. A reverse transform is applied to the one or more transformed fields to obtain the one or more fields. The digital certificate is validated and a second message is sent to the first endpoint indicating that validation is complete.