Method for securely negotiating symmetrical keys between two participants in a communication

Abstract

A method for securely negotiating symmetrical keys between at least two participants of a communication involves each of the participants being equipped in pairs with a common secret or can be equipped indirectly via a further participant, which respectively shares a common secret with each other the two other participants. The participants are each equipped in pairs with at least one common key derivation function or can thus be equipped indirectly via the further participant. If a symmetrical key or the renewal of a symmetrical key is needed, it is derived based on the common secret and one of the key derivation functions according to a derivation rule, which includes at least the key derivation function to be used and at least one parameter for the key derivation function and is communicated to one of the participants by the other participant.

CPC Classifications