Data cryptography operations using control vectors

US4918728A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• International Business Machines Corporation · US

Inventors

• Stephen M. Matyas · Manassas, US
• Dennis G. Abraham · Concord, US
• Donald B. Johnson · Manassas, US
• Ramesh K. Karne · Herndon, US
• An V. Le · Manassas, US
• Rostislaw Prymak · Dumfries, US
• Julian Thomas · Blooming Grove, US
• John D. Wilkins · Somerville, US
• Phil C. Yeh · Poughkeepsie, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Aug 30, 1989
• Grant date: Apr 17, 1990
• Expiry date: Aug 30, 2009

Classification

• Technology area (CPC H): Electricity
• CPC primary: H04L2209/56
• WIPO field: Computer technology
• WIPO sector: Electrical engineering

Abstract

Data cryptography is achieved in an improved manner by associating with the data cryptography key, a control vector which provides the authorization for the uses of the key intended by the originator of the key. Among the uses specified by the control vector are limitations on encryption, decryption, authentication code generation and verification, translation of the user's data. Complex combinations of data manipulation functions are possible using the control vectors, in accordance with the invention. The system administrator can exercise flexibility in changing the implementation of his security policy by selecting appropriate control vectors in accordance with the invention. Complex scenarios such as encrypted mail box, session protection, file protection, ciphertext translation center, peer-to-peer ciphertext translation, message authentication, message authentication with non-repudiation and many others can be easily implemented by a system designer using the control vectors, in accordance with the invention.