A Simple XOR-Based Technique for Distributing Group Key in Secure Multicasting
ISCC '00 Proceedings of the Fifth IEEE Symposium on Computers and Communications (ISCC 2000)
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Secure multicasting is the ability of a multicast group to securly communicate. One approach to group security is to have a group key shared by every group member. Multicast (group) security focuses on protecting the key material, while preserving multicast efficiency and scales well for large group sizes. In this paper we are interested in group key distribution and management. A new simple technique is introduced for key distribution to a large group based on the hierarchical key tree. The new technique uses bit XOR operation between keys to reduce computation effort, and uses random byte patterns to distribute the key material in the multicast message. The new technique hassymmetric procedures for message construction by a KDC (Key Distribution Center) when a member joins or leaves the group, which allows the generation of one rekey message that incorporates multiple delays of both joins and leaves. In addition to the dramatic decrease in the computation effort, our technique decreases the required group member storage. Finally, a novel model for the key tree in a distributed KDC is introduced. The new model allows sending the rekey message by one KDC to the whole group and other peer KDCs without any increase in the delay or the number of sent messages. This is achieved by building and replicating anadditional KDC key tree.