Importance

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Abstract

Encryption/decryption capable terminal units, such as FAX point-of-sale units, on non-secure telecommunications, use public keys for accessing selected target terminals, but make their messages secure by encryption according to private keys. Each subscriber terminal registers, with a central database controller, a unique public key code. Each terminal includes a quick-access storage for a finite number of telephone numbers and related public keys for other terminals. To send a message, the source FAX first queries its local storage for the public key of the target terminal. If the public key is present, it sends a message encrypted with the public key for the target terminal, along with a digital signature. When the message is transmitted, the encrypted public key for the target terminal, and the digital signature of the source terminal user's private key are combined to form a message packet for decryption by the target terminal. The target terminal queries its own key storage to permit decrypting using its own private key and the public key of the sender. The central database controller provides unknown telephone numbers and public keys, and archives, groups, forwards and timestamps messages, and authorizes credit card transactions, without forwarding credit card numbers and without capability to decrypt such message. Credit transactions require the central database controller to communicate separately with the credit provider, but these messages may be similarly encrypted using the public key and private key concept.

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First Claim