Decoy bits method for direct encryption and key generation

Abstract

A new cryptographic technique is disclosed, called decoy bits method, which can be used to obtain near ideal information theoretic security in both quantum and classical key generation and data encryption, not only for raw security but also under known-plaintext attacks. The technique relates to a method of data encryption by insertion of random bits, called decoy bits, into a data sequence whereby the decoy bits are discarded upon decryption. The positions of the decoy bits are determined by a decoy position determining mechanism. This method can be used in conjunction with other standards of encryption to increase security.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method comprising:
 obtaining a sequence of data bits;   obtaining a sequence of decoy bits;   obtaining a random number sequence;   forming an embedded data sequence by placing bits of the sequence of data bits at locations where bits of the random number sequence have a first value and placing bits of the sequence of decoy bits at locations where bits of the random number sequence have a second value;   transmitting the embedded data sequence through a communication channel.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising encrypting the embedded data sequence before transmitting through the communication channel. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the sequence of data bits is encrypted. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein transmitting the embedded data sequence through the communication channel comprises modulating classical signals using the embedded data sequence. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein transmitting the embedded data sequence through the communication channel comprises modulating quantum signals using the embedded data sequence. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein obtaining the random number sequence comprises using a seed key. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the random number sequence is pseudorandom. 
     
     
         8 . A method comprising:
 receiving an embedded data sequence comprising bits of a sequence of data bits and bits of a sequence of decoy bits;   obtaining a random number sequence;   obtaining the sequence of data bits by selecting bits of the embedded data sequence at locations where bits of the random number sequence have a first value.   
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , further comprising decrypting the embedded data sequence. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 8 , further comprising decrypting the sequence of data bits. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein receiving the embedded data sequence through the communication channel comprises demodulating classical signals. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein receiving the embedded data sequence through the communication channel comprises demodulating quantum signals. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein obtaining the random number sequence comprises using a seed key. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the random number sequence is pseudorandom. 
     
     
         15 . A computer system for a communication channel, comprising:
 a module configured to form an embedded data sequence by placing bits of a sequence of data bits at locations where bits of a random number sequence have a first value and placing bits of a sequence of decoy bits at locations where bits of the random number sequence have a second value, and configured to transmit the embedded data sequence through the communication channel.   
     
     
         16 . The computer system of  claim 15 , wherein the module is further configured to encrypt the embedded data sequence before transmitting through the communication channel. 
     
     
         17 . The computer system of  claim 15 , wherein the sequence of data bits is encrypted. 
     
     
         18 . The computer system of  claim 15 , wherein the module is further configured to modulate classical signals using the embedded data sequence. 
     
     
         19 . The computer system of  claim 15 , wherein the module is further configured to modulate quantum signals using the embedded data sequence. 
     
     
         20 . The computer system of  claim 15 , wherein the random number sequence is generated using a seed key. 
     
     
         21 . The computer system of  claim 15 , wherein the random number sequence is pseudorandom. 
     
     
         22 . A computer system for a communication channel, comprising:
 a module configured to receive an embedded data sequence through the communication channel, and configured to obtain a sequence of data bits by selecting bits of the embedded data sequence at locations where bits of a random number sequence have a first value.   
     
     
         23 . The computer system of  claim 22 , wherein the module is further configured to decrypt the embedded data sequence. 
     
     
         24 . The computer system of  claim 22 , wherein the module is further configured to decrypt the sequence of data bits. 
     
     
         25 . The computer system of  claim 22 , wherein the module is further configured to demodulate classical signals received through the communication channel. 
     
     
         26 . The computer system of  claim 22 , wherein the module is further configured to demodulate quantum signals received through the communication channel. 
     
     
         27 . The computer system of  claim 22 , wherein the random number sequence is generated using a seed key. 
     
     
         28 . The computer system of  claim 22 , wherein the random number sequence is pseudorandom.