Importance

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Abstract

Methods, apparatus and computer products provide solutions to the problem caused by the slow speed of public key signature algorithms. The solutions also solve problems of packet authentication for multicast and other scenarios requiring fast, compact digital signatures. Security guarantees required for packet authentication are provided in a way that can handle multiple independent flows, produces authentication fields of fixed size, works in the fully unreliable setting, does not require any packet delays and has the additional property of being able to withstand and smooth over irregular processor loading and bursty packet output rate. One aspect of the present invention uses a hybrid approach consisting of the signer creating a certificate for the public key of an efficient k-time signature scheme using a regular signature key. The signer then signing up to k messages with the private key corresponding to k-time public key. The time consumed to compute a public key signature is amortized over k signatures. These and other aspects are provided in a signature scheme wherein a commitment is employed.

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First Claim