Computer-implemented cryptographic method for improving a computer network, and terminal, system and computer-readable medium for the same

Abstract

A method at a terminal in a multiple-node digital communications network, comprising any one or more of: generating at least one symmetric first key(s), across all participating nodes in the multiple-node digital communications network and securely distributing the at least one first key(s) in encrypted form to multiple participating nodes of the multiple-node digital communications network, using at least one asymmetrically established second key(s), the participating nodes including at least one message-transmitting node(s) and at least one message-receiving node(s); generating at least one symmetric third key(s) for one or more communication session that includes one or more communications from the at least one message-transmitting node(s) to the message-receiving node(s); encrypting at least one payload message using the at least one third key(s) at the at least one message-transmitting node(s), sending the encrypted at least one payload message, and receiving the encrypted at least one payload message at the at least one message-receiving node(s); encrypting the at least one third key(s) using the at least one first key(s), sending the encrypted at least one third key(s), and receiving the encrypted at least one third key(s) at the at least one message-receiving node(s); decrypting the at least one third key(s) using the securely distributed at least one first key(s), at the at least one message-receiving node(s); and decrypting the at least one encrypted payload message using the decrypted at least one third key(s), at the at least one message-receiving node(s). A terminal, system, and computer readable medium are also disclosed.

1 - 30 . (canceled) 
     
     
         31 . A method of increasing operational efficiency of one or more computers or controllers at a terminal in a multiple-node digital communications network, comprising:
 generating a symmetric first key;   securely distributing the symmetric first key in encrypted form to participating nodes of the multiple-node digital communications network, using an asymmetrically established second key, the participating nodes including a message-transmitting node and a message-receiving node;   generating a symmetric third key for one or more communication sessions that include communications from the message-transmitting node to the message-receiving node;   encrypting a payload message using the symmetric third key at the message-transmitting node;   sending the encrypted payload message from the message-transmitting node;   receiving the encrypted payload message at the message-receiving node;   encrypting the symmetric third key using the symmetric first key, sending the encrypted symmetric third key, and receiving the encrypted symmetric third key at the message-receiving node;   decrypting the symmetric third key using the securely distributed symmetric first key, at the message-receiving node; and   decrypting the encrypted payload message using the decrypted symmetric third key, at the message-receiving node, wherein the multiple-node digital communications network is a motor vehicle network entirely internal to a motor vehicle.